EXHIBIT 24 (i)


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated January 26, 1996, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Hampshire Funding, Inc and Subsidiary for the year ended
December 31, 1995, included in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration
Statement (Form S-1/A) and related Prospectus of Hampshire Funding, Inc. and
Subsidiary.      


                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
    
June 10, 1996