1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report included in this Form 10-K, into the Bank's previously filed registration statements on Form S-8, File Nos. 33-278999, 33-71240, 33-47899, 33-94104 and 333-56625. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 26, 1999