For the six months to September 30, the company made $3.3 million compared to $3.7 million in the same period in 1995.

The company said reduced mortgage closing fees, higher interest expense on customer deposits, greater operating expenses and lower local investment value resulted in the decline.

Mortgage closings for the six months fell 21 percent to $28.5 million from $36.3 million a year earlier.

Interest income of $19.3 million, up from the $17.8 million last year, was offset by a decline in interest expense, leaving net interest income level with last year at $4.9 million.

Customer deposits rose seven percent to $458.6 million from $428.5 million a year earlier.

Customer call deposits, part of the total deposits, were down slightly to $206.4 million from $207.6 million.

Fixed term deposits, also part of total deposits, rose 14 percent to $252.3 million from $221 million.

Consumer loans rose to $5.1 million compared to $3.5 million.

Revenue was up marginally at $7.2 million. Expenses rose to $3.9 million from $3.7 million.

Assets at September 30 were $512.9 million compared to $477.7 million a year earlier.

BUSINESS BUC