EXHIBIT 23.1


                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
SouthBanc Shares, Inc.


We consent to the use of our report dated November 7, 1997, related to the audit
of Perpetual Bank, A Federal Savings Bank as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and
for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 1997,
included herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in
the registration statement and related prospectus.



                                               /s/KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

                                               KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP    

Greenville, South Carolina
December 15, 1997