Exhibit (a)(30)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              INVESTOR:     DANIEL M. HEALY
                                                 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
                                                 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                                 631-844-1258

                                   PRESS:        KEKST AND COMPANY
                                                 ROBERT D. SIEGFRIED
                                                 212-521-4832


                       NORTH FORK EXTENDS DIME OFFER


             MELVILLE, N.Y. - JULY 28, 2000 - NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION,
INC. (NYSE:NFB) announced today that, in accordance with its previously
disclosed intention, it has extended its pending exchange offer to acquire
Dime Bancorp, Inc., until 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on September
29, 2000. Based on the most recent report from North Fork's exchange agent,
approximately 18.5 million Dime common shares have been tendered to North
Fork to date.

                                 * * * * *

Investors and security holders are advised to read North Fork's
registration statement and tender offer statement with respect to its
exchange offer for Dime common stock, and any amendments or supplements to
each document (when they become available), because each of these documents
contains, or will contain, important information. Investors and security
holders may obtain a free copy of the exchange offer registration
statement, the tender offer statement, any amendments or supplements to
each document (when they become available), and any other documents filed
by North Fork with the SEC, at the SEC's Internet web site at www.sec.gov.
Each of these documents may also be obtained free of charge by overnight
mail or direct electronic transmission by calling North Fork's information
agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc. toll-free at 1-800-755-7250.