Exhibit 23.1

                        Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8  No. 333-00000) pertaining to the Brown & Sharpe Employee Stock Ownership
and Profit Participation Plan of BNS Co. (formerly Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing
Company) of our report dated February 15, 2001, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Providence, Rhode Island
July 30, 2001