<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.9
<SEQUENCE>14
<FILENAME>custodyagreement.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99.9(A)
<TEXT>
                                CUSTODY AGREEMENT


    AGREEMENT,  dated as of  September  10, 2001  between each John Hancock Fund
listed on Schedule II, each either a business trust organized and existing under
the  laws  of The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  or a  Maryland  corporation
organized  and  existing  under the laws of the state of  Maryland,  having  its
principal  office  and  place of  business  at 101  Huntington  Avenue,  Boston,
Massachusetts 02199 (each the "Fund",  collectively the "Funds") and The Bank of
New York, a New York corporation  authorized to do a banking business having its
principal  office and place of business at One Wall Street,  New York,  New York
10286 ("Custodian").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

that for and in consideration  of the mutual promises  hereinafter set forth the
Fund and Custodian agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

    Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words shall have the meanings
set forth below:

    1.  "AUTHORIZED  PERSON"  shall be any person,  whether or not an officer or
employee  of the Fund,  duly  authorized  by the  Fund's  board to  execute  any
Certificate or to give any Oral  Instruction  or other  Instruction on behalf of
the Fund and listed in the  Certificate  annexed  hereto as Schedule I hereto or
such other Certificate as may be received by Custodian from time to time.

    2. "BNY AFFILIATE"  shall mean any office,  branch or subsidiary of The Bank
of New York Company, Inc.

    3. "BOOK-ENTRY  SYSTEM" shall mean the Federal  Reserve/Treasury  book-entry
system for receiving and delivering securities, its successors and nominees.

    4.  "BUSINESS  DAY"  shall  mean any day on which  the Fund,  Custodian  and
relevant Depositories are open for business.

    5. "CERTIFICATE" shall mean any notice,  instruction, or other instrument in
writing,  authorized  or required by this  Agreement  to be given to  Custodian,
which is actually  received by Custodian  and signed on behalf of the Fund by an
Authorized  Person  or a  person  reasonably  believed  by  Custodian  to  be an
Authorized Person.

    6.  "COMPOSITE  CURRENCY  UNIT"  shall mean the Euro or any other  composite
currency  unit  consisting  of the  aggregate of specified  amounts of specified
currencies, as such unit may be constituted from time to time.

<PAGE>

    7. "DEPOSITORY"  shall include (a) the Book-Entry System, (b) the Depository
Trust Company, (c) any other clearing agency or securities depository registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission  identified to the Fund from time to
time, and (d) the respective successors and nominees of the foregoing.

    8. "FOREIGN  DEPOSITORY" shall mean (a) Euroclear,  (b) Clearstream Banking,
societe  anonyme,  (c) each  Eligible  Securities  Depository as defined in Rule
17f-7  under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940,  as amended  (the "'40 Act"),
identified to the Fund from time to time, and (d) the respective  successors and
nominees of the foregoing.

    9.  "INSTRUCTIONS"  shall mean  communications  transmitted by electronic or
telecommunications media, including S.W.I.F.T./I.S.I.T.C.,  computer-to-computer
interface,   facsimile  transmissions  executed  by  an  Authorized  Person,  or
dedicated transmission lines.

    10. "ORAL INSTRUCTIONS" shall mean verbal instructions received by Custodian
from an Authorized Person or from a person  reasonably  believed by Custodian to
be an Authorized Person.

    11.  "SECURITIES" shall have the same meaning as when used in the Securities
Act of 1933,  including,  without limitation,  any common stock and other equity
securities,  bonds,  debentures and other debt securities,  notes,  mortgages or
other obligations, and any instruments representing rights to receive, purchase,
or subscribe for the same, or representing any other rights or interests therein
(whether  represented  by  a  certificate  or  held  in  a  Depository  or  by a
Subcustodian).

    12. "SUBCUSTODIAN" shall mean a bank (including any branch thereof) or other
financial institution (other than a Foreign Depository) located outside the U.S.
which is utilized by Custodian in connection with the purchase,  sale or custody
of Securities  hereunder and identified to the Fund from time to time, and their
respective successors and nominees.

                                   ARTICLE II
                       APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN; ACCOUNTS

    1. (a) The Fund hereby appoints Custodian as custodian of all Securities and
cash at any time delivered to Custodian  during the term of this Agreement,  and
authorizes  Custodian to hold  Securities in registered  form in its name or the
name of its nominees.  Custodian  hereby accepts such  appointment and agrees to
establish  and  maintain  one or more  separate  securities  accounts  and  cash
accounts  for each  Fund in which  Custodian  will hold  Securities  and cash as
provided  herein.  Custodian  shall maintain books and records  segregating  the
assets of each Fund from the assets of any other Fund.  Such accounts  (each, an
"Account"; collectively, the "Accounts") shall be in the name of the Fund.

       (b)  Custodian  may from time to time  establish on its books and records
such  sub-accounts  within each Account as the Fund and Custodian may agree upon
(each a "Special  Account"),  and Custodian shall reflect therein such assets as
the Fund may specify in a Certificate or Instructions.


                                      - 2 -
<PAGE>

       (c)  Custodian  may from  time to time  establish  pursuant  to a written
agreement  with and for the  benefit  of a broker,  dealer,  futures  commission
merchant or other third party  identified in a Certificate or Instructions  such
accounts on such terms and conditions as the Fund and Custodian shall agree, and
Custodian  shall transfer to such account such  Securities and money as the Fund
may specify in a Certificate or Instructions.

                                  ARTICLE III
                          CUSTODY AND RELATED SERVICES

    1. (a) Subject to the terms hereof, the Fund hereby authorizes  Custodian to
hold any  Securities  received  by it from time to time for the Fund's  account.
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize Depositories, Subcustodians, and, subject
to subsection(c) of this Section 1, Foreign Depositories, to the extent possible
in connection  with its  performance  hereunder.  Securities  and cash held in a
Depository or Foreign  Depository  will be held subject to the rules,  terms and
conditions of such entity.  Securities and cash held through Subcustodians shall
be held subject to the terms and conditions of Custodian's  agreements with such
Subcustodians.  Subcustodians  may be authorized  to hold  Securities in Foreign
Depositories in which such Subcustodians participate.  Unless otherwise required
by local law or  practice or a  particular  subcustodian  agreement,  Securities
deposited with a Subcustodian, a Depositary or a Foreign Depository will be held
in a commingled account, in the name of Custodian,  holding only Securities held
by Custodian as custodian for its  customers.  Custodian  shall  identify on its
books and records the Securities  and cash  belonging to the Fund,  whether held
directly  or  indirectly  through   Depositories,   Foreign   Depositories,   or
Subcustodians.  Custodian shall,  directly or indirectly through  Subcustodians,
Depositories, or Foreign Depositories, endeavor, to the extent feasible, to hold
Securities in the country or other  jurisdiction in which the principal  trading
market for such Securities is located, where such Securities are to be presented
for cancellation  and/or payment and/or  registration,  or where such Securities
are acquired.  Custodian at any time may cease utilizing any Subcustodian and/or
may replace a  Subcustodian  with a  different  Subcustodian  (the  "Replacement
Subcustodian").  In the  event  Custodian  selects a  Replacement  Subcustodian,
Custodian shall not utilize such Replacement Subcustodian until after the Fund's
board or  foreign  custody  manager  has  determined  that  utilization  of such
Replacement  Subcustodian  satisfies  the  requirements  of the `40 Act and Rule
17f-5 thereunder.

       (b) Unless  Custodian has received a Certificate or  Instructions  to the
contrary, Custodian shall hold Securities indirectly through a Subcustodian only
if (i) the Securities are not subject to any right,  charge,  security interest,
lien or claim of any kind in favor  of such  Subcustodian  or its  creditors  or
operators,  including a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or similar  authority,
except  for a claim  of  payment  for the  safe  custody  or  administration  of
Securities  on  behalf  of the Fund by such  Subcustodian,  and (ii)  beneficial
ownership of the Securities is freely transferable  without the payment of money
or value other than for safe custody or administration.

       (c) With respect to each Foreign  Depository,  Custodian  shall  exercise
reasonable  care,  prudence,  and  diligence  (i) to  provide  the Fund  with an
analysis  of the  custody  risks  associated  with  maintaining  assets with the
Foreign Depository, and (ii) to monitor such custody risks on a continuing basis
and  promptly  notify the Fund of any  material  change in such risks.  The Fund
acknowledges and agrees,  that such analysis and monitoring shall be made on the

                                      - 3 -
<PAGE>

basis of, and limited by, information  gathered from  Subcustodians,  from trade
associations  of which  Custodian  is a member  from  time to time,  or  through
publicly available  information  otherwise obtained by Custodian,  and shall not
include any evaluation of Country Risks. As used herein the term "Country Risks"
shall  mean  with  respect  to  any  Foreign   Depository:   (a)  the  financial
infrastructure  of the  country  in which it is  organized,  (b) such  country's
prevailing custody and settlement practices, (c) nationalization,  expropriation
or other governmental  actions,  (d) such country's regulation of the banking or
securities  industry,  (e)  currency  controls,  restrictions,  devaluations  or
fluctuations,  and (f) market  conditions which affect the orderly  execution of
securities transactions or affect the value of securities.  Custodian represents
that each Foreign  Depository in which a Subcustodian  is authorized to maintain
Fund  assets is an  "Eligible  Securities  Depository"  as defined in Rule 17f-7
under the '40 Act. Custodian agrees to certify to the Fund's board, annually and
upon  reasonable  request,  that each  Foreign  Depository  remains an  Eligible
Securities Depository.

    2. Custodian  shall furnish Fund on-line access to daily  transactions  on a
real time basis and a monthly summary of all transfers to or from Fund's account
on the first business day after the month end.

    3. With respect to all Securities held hereunder,  Custodian  shall,  unless
otherwise instructed to the contrary:

       (a) Collect all income,  dividends,  distributions and other payments due
or payable;

       (b) Present  for payment and collect the amount paid upon all  Securities
which mature;

       (c) Forward to the Fund promptly  copies of all  information or documents
that it may  actually  receive  from  an  issuer  of  Securities  which,  in the
reasonable  opinion of  Custodian,  are  intended  for the  beneficial  owner of
Securities;

       (d) Execute,  as custodian,  any  certificates of ownership,  affidavits,
declarations or other certificates under any tax laws now or hereafter in effect
in connection with the collection of bond and note coupons;

       (e) Hold directly or through a  Depository,  a Foreign  Depository,  or a
Subcustodian  all rights  and  similar  Securities  issued  with  respect to any
Securities credited to an Account hereunder; and

       (f)  Endorse  for   collection   checks,   drafts  or  other   negotiable
instruments.

    4. (a) Custodian  promptly shall notify the Fund of rights or  discretionary
actions with respect to Securities held  hereunder,  and of the date or dates by
when such rights must be exercised or such action must be taken,  provided  that
Custodian  has actually  received,  from the issuer or the  relevant  Depository
(with  respect to Securities  issued in the United  States) or from the relevant
Subcustodian,  Foreign Depository, or a nationally or internationally recognized
bond or corporate action service to which Custodian subscribes, timely notice of

                                      - 4 -
<PAGE>

such  rights or  discretionary  corporate  action  or of the date or dates  such
rights must be exercised or such action must be taken.

       (b)  Whenever  Securities  (including,  but  not  limited  to,  warrants,
options,  tenders,  options  to tender or  non-mandatory  puts or calls)  confer
discretionary  rights  on the  Fund  or  provide  for  discretionary  action  or
alternative  courses of action by the Fund,  the Fund shall be  responsible  for
making  any  decisions  relating  thereto  and for  directing  Custodian  to act
provided  that  Custodian  promptly has notified the Fund of such  discretionary
right or action.  In order for  Custodian  to act,  it must  receive  the Fund's
Certificate or Instructions at Custodian's  offices,  addressed as Custodian may
from time to time request,  not later than noon (New York time) at least one (1)
Business  Day  prior to the last  scheduled  date to act  with  respect  to such
Securities  (or such earlier date or time as Custodian may specify to the Fund).
Custodian  shall not be liable for failure to take any action  relating to or to
exercise any rights conferred by such Securities, unless Custodian has failed to
timely  receive  the  Fund's  Certificate  or  Instruction  and such  failure is
attributable to Custodian's negligence or willful misconduct.

    5. All voting rights with respect to Securities,  however registered,  shall
be exercised by the Fund or its  designee.  For domestic and foreign  securities
Custodian will utilize a proxy service for the exercise of such voting rights.

    6. Custodian shall promptly advise the Fund upon Custodian's  actual receipt
of  notification  of the partial  redemption,  partial  payment or other  action
affecting  less than all  Securities of the relevant  class.  If Custodian,  any
Subcustodian,  any Depository, or any Foreign Depository holds any Securities in
which the Fund has an  interest  as part of a  fungible  mass,  Custodian,  such
Subcustodian,  Depository,  or Foreign  Depository  may select the Securities to
participate in such partial  redemption,  partial payment or other action in any
non-discriminatory manner that it customarily uses to make such selection.

    7.  Custodian  shall not  under any  circumstances  accept  bearer  interest
coupons  which have been stripped  from United  States  federal,  state or local
government  or agency  securities  unless  explicitly  agreed to by Custodian in
writing.

    8. The Fund  shall be liable for all  taxes,  assessments,  duties and other
governmental  charges,  including  any interest or penalty with respect  thereto
("Taxes"),  with respect to any cash or Securities held on behalf of the Fund or
any transaction  related  thereto.  The Fund shall indemnify  Custodian and each
Subcustodian for the amount of any Tax that Custodian,  any such Subcustodian or
any other  withholding  agent is  required  under  applicable  laws  (whether by
assessment  or otherwise) to pay on behalf of, or in respect of income earned by
or payments or  distributions  made to or for the account of the Fund (including
any  payment  of Tax  required  by reason of an earlier  failure  to  withhold).
Custodian  shall,  or  shall  instruct  the  applicable  Subcustodian  or  other
withholding  agent to,  withhold  the amount of any Tax which is  required to be
withheld under applicable law upon collection of any dividend, interest or other
distribution  made with  respect to any Security and any proceeds or income from
the sale, loan or other transfer of any Security. In the event that Custodian or
any  Subcustodian  is required under  applicable law to pay any Tax on behalf of
the Fund,  Custodian is hereby authorized to withdraw cash from that Fund's cash
account in the amount required to pay such Tax and to use such cash, or to remit
such cash to the appropriate  Subcustodian or other  withholding  agent, for the
timely  payment of such Tax in the manner  required  by  applicable  law. If the
aggregate  amount of cash in that Fund's cash accounts is not  sufficient to pay
such Tax,  Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of the additional  amount of
cash (in the appropriate currency) required, and the Fund shall directly deposit
such additional amount in the appropriate cash account promptly after receipt of
such  notice,  for use by  Custodian  as  specified  herein.  In the event  that

                                      - 5 -
<PAGE>

Custodian reasonably believes that Fund is eligible,  pursuant to applicable law
or to the  provisions  of any tax treaty,  for a reduced  rate of, or  exemption
from,  any Tax which is  otherwise  required to be withheld or paid on behalf of
the Fund under any  applicable  law,  Custodian  shall,  or shall  instruct  the
applicable Subcustodian or withholding agent to, either withhold or pay such Tax
at such  reduced  rate or  refrain  from  withholding  or paying  such  Tax,  as
appropriate;  provided  that  Custodian  shall have  received  from the Fund all
documentary  evidence of residence or other  qualification for such reduced rate
or exemption required to be received under such applicable law or treaty. In the
event that  Custodian  reasonably  believes that a reduced rate of, or exemption
from,  any Tax is  obtainable  only  by  means  of an  application  for  refund,
Custodian  and  the  applicable   Subcustodian  shall  have  responsibility  for
providing  the Fund with the correct  forms and filling them out in a timely and
accurate  fashion,  but no  responsibility  for the  accuracy or validity of the
Fund's information on any forms or documentation  provided solely by the Fund to
Custodian  hereunder.  The Fund hereby  agrees to  indemnify  and hold  harmless
Custodian   and  each   Subcustodian   for  any   liability   arising  from  any
underwithholding or underpayment of any Tax which results from the inaccuracy or
invalidity  of any  information  provided  by the Fund  for such  forms or other
documentation  prepared  solely by the Fund,  and such  obligation  to indemnify
shall be a  continuing  obligation  of the  Fund,  its  successors  and  assigns
notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.

    9.  (a)  For  the  purpose  of  settling  Securities  and  foreign  exchange
transactions,  the Fund shall  provide  Custodian  with  sufficient  immediately
available funds for all  transactions by such time and date as conditions in the
relevant  market  dictate.  As used herein,  "sufficient  immediately  available
funds" shall mean either (i)  sufficient  cash  denominated  in U.S.  dollars to
purchase the necessary foreign currency,  or (ii) sufficient  applicable foreign
currency,  to settle the  transaction.  Custodian  shall  provide  the Fund with
immediately   available  funds  each  day  which  result  from  the  contractual
settlement of all sale  transactions,  based upon advices  received by Custodian
from Subcustodians,  Depositories, and Foreign Depositories. Such funds shall be
in U.S. dollars or such other currency as the Fund may specify to Custodian.

       (b) Any foreign exchange  transaction effected by Custodian in connection
with this Agreement may be entered with  Custodian or a BNY Affiliate  acting as
principal or otherwise through customary banking channels.  The Fund may issue a
standing   Certificate  or  Instructions   with  respect  to  foreign   exchange
transactions,  but Custodian may establish  rules or limitations  concerning any
foreign  exchange  facility made  available to the Fund. The Fund shall bear all
investment  risks of investing in  Securities or holding cash  denominated  in a
foreign currency.

    10.  Custodian  shall  promptly send to the Fund (a) any reports it receives
from a Depository on such Depository's  system of internal  accounting  control,

                                      - 6 -
<PAGE>

and (b) such  reports on its own system of  internal  accounting  control as the
Fund may reasonably request from time to time.


                                      - 7 -
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE IV
                        PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES;
                               CREDITS TO ACCOUNT

    1. Promptly  after each purchase or sale of Securities by the Fund, the Fund
shall deliver to Custodian a Certificate or  Instructions,  or with respect to a
purchase or sale of a Security  generally required to be settled on the same day
the  purchase or sale is made,  Oral  Instructions  specifying  all  information
Custodian  may  reasonably  request to settle such  purchase or sale.  Custodian
shall account for all purchases and sales of Securities on the actual settlement
date unless otherwise agreed by Custodian.

    2. The Fund  understands  that  when  Custodian  is  instructed  to  deliver
physical Securities against payment,  delivery of such Securities and receipt of
payment  therefor  may  not be  completed  simultaneously.  Notwithstanding  any
provision  in  this  Agreement  to  the  contrary,  settlements,   payments  and
deliveries  of  physical   Securities  may  be  effected  by  Custodian  or  any
Subcustodian in accordance with the customary or established  securities trading
or securities  processing  practices and procedures in the jurisdiction in which
the transaction occurs, including,  without limitation,  delivery to a purchaser
or dealer  therefor (or agent) against receipt with the expectation of receiving
later payment for such Securities

    3.  Custodian  may, as a matter of  bookkeeping  convenience  or by separate
agreement  with the Fund,  credit the Account with the  proceeds  from the sale,
redemption or other  disposition  of Securities or interest,  dividends or other
distributions payable on Securities prior to its actual receipt of final payment
therefor. All such credits shall be conditional until Custodian's actual receipt
of final  payment  and may be  reversed  by  Custodian  to the extent that final
payment is not  received.  Payment  with  respect to a  transaction  will not be
"final" until  Custodian shall have received  immediately  available funds which
under  applicable  local law,  rule and/or  practice  are  irreversible  and not
subject  to any  security  interest,  levy or other  encumbrance,  and which are
specifically applicable to such transaction.

                                   ARTICLE V
                           OVERDRAFTS OR INDEBTEDNESS

    1. If Custodian should in its sole discretion advance funds on behalf of any
Fund which  results in an  overdraft  because the money held by  Custodian in an
Account for such Fund shall be insufficient to pay the total amount payable upon
a  purchase  of  Securities  by  such  Fund,  as  set  forth  in a  Certificate,
Instructions or Oral  Instructions,  or if an overdraft arises with respect to a
Fund for some other reason, including, without limitation, because of a reversal
of a conditional  credit or the purchase of any currency,  or if any Fund is for
any other reason indebted to Custodian (except a borrowing for investment or for
temporary  or  emergency  purposes  pursuant  to  a  separate  agreement),  such
overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed to be a loan made by Custodian to such
Fund payable on demand and shall bear  interest  from the date  incurred at such
rate per annum as such Fund and  Custodian  may agree upon from time to time. In
addition,  the Fund hereby  agrees that  Custodian  shall to the maximum  extent
permitted  by law  have a  continuing  lien,  security  interest,  and  security
entitlement  in  and  to  any  property,   including,  without  limitation,  any
investment  property or any  financial  asset,  of such Fund at any time held by
Custodian  for the  benefit  of such  Fund or in  which  such  Fund  may have an

                                      - 8 -
<PAGE>

interest which is then in Custodian's  possession or control or in possession or
control of any third party acting in Custodian's  behalf.  Such Fund  authorizes
Custodian,  in its sole discretion,  at any time to charge any such overdraft or
indebtedness  together with interest due thereon  against any balance of account
standing to such Fund's credit on Custodian's  books.  Custodian  shall promptly
advise any Fund  whenever  such Fund has an  overdraft or  indebtedness  bearing
interest as provided in this Article,  or whenever  Custodian intends to realize
upon its lien, security interest or security entitlement.

    2. If the Fund  borrows  money  from any bank  (including  Custodian  if the
borrowing is pursuant to a separate  agreement)  for investment or for temporary
or emergency purposes using Securities held by Custodian hereunder as collateral
for  such  borrowings,  the  Fund  shall  deliver  to  Custodian  a  Certificate
specifying  with  respect to each such  borrowing:  (a) the Series to which such
borrowing  relates;  (b) the name of the bank,  (c) the amount of the borrowing,
(d) the time and date, if known,  on which the loan is to be entered  into,  (e)
the total amount  payable to the Fund on the borrowing  date, (f) the Securities
to be delivered as collateral  for such loan,  including the name of the issuer,
the title and the  number of shares or the  principal  amount of any  particular
Securities,  and (g) a statement  specifying whether such loan is for investment
purposes  or for  temporary  or  emergency  purposes  and that  such  loan is in
conformance with the `40 Act and the Fund's prospectus.  Custodian shall deliver
on the  borrowing  date  specified in a  Certificate  the  specified  collateral
against  payment by the lending  bank of the total  amount of the loan  payable,
provided that the same conforms to the total amount  payable as set forth in the
Certificate.  Custodian  may,  at the  option  of the  lending  bank,  keep such
collateral in its possession, but such collateral shall be subject to all rights
therein  given  the  lending  bank  by  virtue  of any  promissory  note or loan
agreement.  Custodian shall deliver such Securities as additional  collateral as
may be specified  in a  Certificate  to  collateralize  further any  transaction
described in this  Section.  The Fund shall cause all  Securities  released from
collateral  status  to be the  name of the  Series  for  which  such  money  was
received.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                          SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

    1. Whenever the Fund shall sell any shares issued by the Fund  ("Shares") it
shall deliver to Custodian a Certificate or  Instructions  specifying the amount
of money  and/or  Securities  to be received by  Custodian  for the sale of such
Shares and specifically allocated to an Account for such Series.

    2. Upon  receipt of such  money,  Custodian  shall  credit  such money to an
Account in the name of the Series for which such money was received.

    3. Except as provided  hereinafter,  whenever the Fund desires  Custodian to
make payment out of the money held by Custodian  hereunder in connection  with a
redemption  of any  Shares,  it shall  furnish to  Custodian  a  Certificate  or
Instructions  specifying the total amount to be paid for such Shares.  Custodian
shall make payment of such total amount to the transfer agent  specified in such
Certificate  or  Instructions  out  of  the  money  held  in an  Account  of the
appropriate Series.

                                      - 9 -
<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE VII
                      PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS

    1. Whenever the Fund shall  determine to pay a dividend or  distribution  on
Shares it shall furnish to Custodian Instructions or a Certificate setting forth
with respect to the Series specified therein the date of the declaration of such
dividend or distribution, the total amount payable, and the payment date.

    2. Upon the payment date  specified  in such  Instructions  or  Certificate,
Custodian  shall pay out of the money held for the  account  of such  Series the
total amount payable to the dividend agent of the Fund specified therein.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                              CONCERNING CUSTODIAN

    1. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Custodian shall not be
liable for any  costs,  expenses,  damages,  liabilities  or  claims,  including
attorneys'  and  accountants'  fees  (collectively,  "Losses"),  incurred  by or
asserted  against the Fund,  except those Losses arising out of Custodian's  own
negligence or willful misconduct.  Custodian shall have no liability  whatsoever
for the action or inaction of any Depositories or any Foreign Depositories. With
respect to any Losses  incurred  by the Fund as a result of the acts or failures
to act by a Subcustodian which is either a BNY Affiliate or listed on Appendix A
hereto,  Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such Losses,  but only to the
extent such Losses arise out of or are caused by acts or failures to act by such
Subcustodian which are contrary to the prevailing  practices or standard of care
in the relevant market in which such Subcustodian operates.  With respect to any
Losses  incurred  by the Fund as a result  of the acts or  failures  to act by a
Subcustodian  which is not a BNY  Affiliate  and is not  listed  on  Appendix  A
hereto, Custodian shall take appropriate action to recover such Losses from such
Subcustodian,  and  Custodian's  sole  responsibility  and liability to the Fund
shall be limited to amounts so received  from such  Subcustodians  (exclusive of
costs and expenses incurred by Custodian). In no event shall Custodian be liable
to the Fund or any third party for special,  indirect or consequential  damages,
or lost profits or loss of business,  arising in connection with this Agreement,
nor shall BNY or any  Subcustodian be liable:  (i) for acting in accordance with
any Certificate or Oral Instructions  actually  received by Custodian;  (ii) for
acting in accordance with  Instructions;  (iii) for conclusively  presuming that
all Instructions  other than Oral  Instructions are given only by person(s) duly
authorized;  (iv) for any Losses due to forces  beyond the control of Custodian,
including without limitation strikes, work stoppages,  acts of war or terrorism,
insurrection,  revolution,  nuclear  or  natural  catastrophes  or  acts of God,
interruption,  loss or malfunction of utilities or communication  services,  or,
but  only to the  extent  beyond  Custodian's  reasonable  control,  and only if
Custodian  is  maintaining  the  same  and  appropriate   back-up  system(s)  in
accordance  with  industry  standards  and  practices,  interruption,  loss,  or
malfunction of computers  (hardware or software);  or (v) for any Losses arising
from the  applicability of any law or regulation now or hereafter in effect,  or
from the occurrence of any event, including, without limitation,  implementation
or  adoption  of any  rules or  procedures  of a Foreign  Depository,  which may
affect,  limit,  prevent  or impose  costs or burdens  on, the  transferability,
convertibility,  or availability  of any currency or Composite  Currency Unit in
any  country  or on the  transfer  of any  Securities,  and  in no  event  shall
Custodian be obligated to substitute another currency for a currency  (including

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>

a  currency   that  is  a  component  of  a  Composite   Currency   Unit)  whose
transferability,  convertibility or availability has been affected,  limited, or
prevented by such law, regulation or event, and to the extent that any such law,
regulation or event  imposes a cost or charge upon  Custodian in relation to the
transferability,  convertibility,  or  availability  of  any  cash  currency  or
Composite  Currency  Unit,  such cost or charge  shall be for the account of the
Fund, and Custodian may treat any account denominated in an affected currency as
a group of separate accounts denominated in the relevant component currencies.

       (b) Custodian may enter into subcontracts,  agreements and understandings
with any BNY  Affiliate,  whenever and on such terms and  conditions as it deems
necessary or appropriate to perform its services hereunder. No such subcontract,
agreement  or  understanding  shall  discharge  Custodian  from its  obligations
hereunder.

       (c) The Fund agrees to indemnify  and hold  Custodian  harmless  from and
against  any and  all  Losses  sustained  or  incurred  by or  asserted  against
Custodian by reason of or as a result of any action or inaction,  or arising out
of Custodian  performance  hereunder,  including reasonable fees and expenses of
counsel, provided however, that the Fund shall not indemnify Custodian for those
Losses arising out of Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct,  nor for
any Losses which constitute indirect, special, or consequential damages, or lost
profits or loss of business.  Custodian  agrees to  indemnify  and hold the Fund
harmless  from and  against any and all Losses,  including  reasonable  fees and
expenses of  counsel,  sustained  or  incurred  by or asserted  against the Fund
arising out of  Custodian's  own  negligence  or willful  misconduct,  provided,
however,  that  Custodian  shall not  indemnify  the Fund for any  Losses  which
constitute indirect,  special, or consequential damages, or lost profits or loss
of  business.  This  indemnity  shall  be a  continuing  obligation  of Fund and
Custodian, their successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this
Agreement.

    2. Without  limiting the  generality of the  foregoing,  Custodian  shall be
under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:

       (a) The  validity  of the issue of any  Securities  purchased,  sold,  or
written  by or for the Fund,  the  legality  of the  purchase,  sale or  writing
thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid or received therefor;

       (b)  The  legality  of the  sale  or  redemption  of any  Shares,  or the
propriety of the amount to be received or paid therefor;

       (c) The  legality  of the  declaration  or  payment  of any  dividend  or
distribution by the Fund;

       (d) The legality of any borrowing by the Fund;

       (e) Whether any Securities at any time delivered to, or held by Custodian
or by any Subcustodian,  for the account of the Fund are such as properly may be
held by the Fund  under  the  provisions  of its  then  current  prospectus  and
statement of additional information, or to ascertain whether any transactions by

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>

the Fund,  whether or not  involving  Custodian,  are such  transactions  as may
properly be engaged in by the Fund.

    3. Custodian may, with respect to questions of law specifically regarding an
Account,  obtain the advice of  counsel  at its own  expense  and shall be fully
protected  with  respect  to  anything  done or  omitted  by it in good faith in
conformity with such advice.

    4.  Custodian  shall have no duty or  responsibility  to inquire into,  make
recommendations,  supervise,  or determine  the  suitability  of any  Securities
transactions effected for a Fund.

    5.  The  Fund  shall  pay  to  Custodian  the  fees  and  charges  as may be
specifically  agreed  upon from time to time and such other fees and  charges at
Custodian's  standard  rates for such  services as may be  applicable.  The Fund
shall also  reimburse  Custodian for  out-of-pocket  expenses which are a normal
incident of the services provided hereunder.

    6. With  instructions  from an Authorized  Person of the Fund, the Custodian
has the right to debit any cash  account  for any amount  payable by the Fund in
connection with any and all obligations of the Fund to Custodian. Custodian will
use its bet  efforts  to  consult  with  Fund's  investment  advisor  about  the
selection of securities used to offset that Fund's obligations to Custodian. Any
such asset of, or obligation to the Fund may be transferred to Custodian and any
BNY Affiliate in order to effect the above rights.

    7. The Fund will make its best efforts to forward to Custodian a Certificate
or  Instructions  confirming  Oral  Instructions by the close of business of the
same day that such Oral Instructions are given to Custodian.  Fund and Custodian
agree that the fact that such  confirming  Certificate or  Instructions  are not
received or that a contrary Certificate or contrary Instructions are received by
Custodian  shall  affect  the  validity  and   enforceability   of  transactions
authorized  by such Oral  Instructions  and effected by  Custodian.  If the Fund
elects to transmit Instructions through an on-line communications system offered
by  Custodian,  the  Fund's  use  thereof  shall be  subject  to the  Terms  and
Conditions  attached as Appendix I hereto,  and Custodian shall provide user and
authorization  codes,  passwords and  authentication  keys only to an Authorized
Person.

    8. The books and records  pertaining  to the Fund which are in possession of
Custodian  shall be the  property of the Fund.  Such books and records  shall be
prepared and maintained as required by the `40 Act and the rules thereunder. The
Fund,  or its  authorized  representatives,  shall have access to such books and
records during Custodian's normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of
the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be provided by Custodian to
the Fund or its authorized  representative.  Upon the reasonable  request of the
Fund,  Custodian  shall  provide in hard copy or on  computer  disc any  records
included in any such  delivery  which are  maintained by Custodian on a computer
disc, or are similarly maintained.

    9. It is understood  that Custodian is authorized to supply any  information
regarding the Accounts  which is required by any law,  regulation or rule now or
hereafter in effect.  Custodian  shall provide the Fund with any report obtained
by Custodian on the system of internal  accounting control of a Depository,  and

                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>

with such reports on its own system of internal  accounting  control as the Fund
may reasonably request from time to time.


                                   ARTICLE IX
                                   TERMINATION

    1. Either of the parties  hereto may terminate  this  Agreement by giving to
the other  party a notice in writing  specifying  the date of such  termination,
which  shall be not less than  sixty  (60) days after the date of giving of such
notice.  In the event such notice is given by the Fund, it shall be  accompanied
by a copy of a  resolution  of the board of the Fund,  certified  by the  Fund's
Secretary or any Assistant  Secretary,  electing to terminate this Agreement and
designating a successor  custodian or custodians,  each of which shall be a bank
or trust company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital,  surplus and
undivided  profits.  In the event such  notice is given by  Custodian,  the Fund
shall,  on or before the  termination  date,  deliver to  Custodian  a copy of a
resolution of the board of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary,  designating a successor  custodian or custodians.  In the absence of
such  designation  by the Fund,  Custodian may  designate a successor  custodian
which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate
capital,  surplus and undivided profits.  Upon the date set forth in such notice
this Agreement shall terminate,  and Custodian shall upon receipt of a notice of
acceptance  by the  successor  custodian  on that date  deliver  directly to the
successor  custodian all Securities and money then owned by the Fund and held by
it as Custodian,  after  deducting all fees,  expenses and other amounts for the
payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled.

    2. If a successor  custodian is not  designated  by the Fund or Custodian in
accordance with the preceding Section, the Fund shall upon the date specified in
the notice of  termination  of this Agreement and upon the delivery by Custodian
of all Securities  (other than Securities which cannot be delivered to the Fund)
and money then owned by the Fund be deemed to be its own custodian and Custodian
shall  thereby be relieved of all duties and  responsibilities  pursuant to this
Agreement,  other  than the duty with  respect  to  Securities  which  cannot be
delivered to the Fund to hold such Securities  hereunder in accordance with this
Agreement.


                                    ARTICLE X
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

    1. The Fund agrees to furnish to Custodian a new  Certificate  of Authorized
Persons in the event of any change in the then present Authorized Persons. Until
such new  Certificate is received,  Custodian shall be fully protected in acting
upon Certificates or Oral Instructions of such present Authorized Persons.

    2. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this
Agreement to be given to Custodian,  shall be sufficiently given if addressed to
Custodian and received by it at its offices at 100 Church Street,  New York, New

                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>

York 10286,  or at such other place as Custodian may from time to time designate
in writing.

    3. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by this
Agreement  to be given to the Fund shall be  sufficiently  given if addressed to
the Fund and  received by it at its offices at 101  Huntington  Avenue,  Boston,
Massachusetts  02199,  or at such other  place as the Fund may from time to time
designate in writing.

    4. Each and every right granted to either party hereunder or under any other
document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith,  or allowed it by law or
equity,  shall be cumulative  and may be exercised from time to time. No failure
on the part of either party to exercise,  and no delay in exercising,  any right
will  operate as a waiver  thereof,  nor will any single or partial  exercise by
either party of any right preclude any other or future  exercise  thereof or the
exercise of any other right.

    5. In case any  provision in or  obligation  under this  Agreement  shall be
invalid,  illegal or unenforceable in any exclusive jurisdiction,  the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining  provisions shall not in any way be
affected  thereby.  This  Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner
except  by a  written  agreement  executed  by both  parties,  except  that  any
amendment  to the  Schedule  I hereto  need be  signed  only by the Fund and any
amendment to Appendix I hereto need be signed only by Custodian.  This Agreement
shall  extend  to and  shall be  binding  upon the  parties  hereto,  and  their
respective successors and assigns; provided,  however, that this Agreement shall
not be assignable by either party without the written consent of the other.

    6. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the substantive laws
of The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  without  regard to  conflicts  of laws
principles  thereof.  The Fund and Custodian each hereby  irrevocably waives any
and all  rights  to  trial by jury in any  legal  proceeding  arising  out of or
relating to this Agreement.

    7. This  Agreement  may be executed in any number of  counterparts,  each of
which shall be deemed to be an original,  but such counterparts shall, together,
constitute only one instrument.

    8.  Fund and  Custodian  agree  that the  obligations  of each  Fund are not
binding upon any of the Trustees/Directors, officers or shareholders of the Fund
individually,  but are  binding  only upon that Fund and its  assets.  Each Fund
shall be severally,  not jointly, liable only for its own obligations under this
Agreement.


                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the Fund and Custodian have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective officers,  thereunto duly authorized, as of the day
and year first above written.


                                    Each John Hancock Fund listed on Schedule II


                                    By:       /s/Richard A Brown
                                    Title:   Senior Vice President and
                                             Chief Financial Officer

                                    THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                    By:  /s/James E. Hillman
                                    Title:   Senior Vice President


                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE I
                        CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS
                   (The Fund - Oral and Written Instructions)

    The undersigned  hereby certifies that he/she is the duly elected and acting
Treasurer of each John  Hancock Fund listed on Schedule II (each a "Fund"),  and
further certifies that the following officers or employees of the Fund have been
duly authorized in conformity  with the Fund's  Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
to  deliver  Certificates  and  Oral  Instructions  to  The  Bank  of  New  York
("Custodian")  pursuant to the Custody  Agreement between the Fund and Custodian
dated  ____________2001,  and that the signatures appearing opposite their names
are true and correct:


-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature

-------------------------        -------------------       --------------------
Name                             Title                     Signature



    This  certificate  supersedes any certificate of Authorized  Persons you may
currently have on file.


                                   By:____________________________________
                                      Title: Vice President and Treasurer

Date:


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE II

                               John Hancock Funds

                              [include tax id #'s]


<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX I

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                  ON-LINE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (THE "SYSTEM")

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    1.  LICENSE;  USE.  Upon  delivery  to  an  Authorized  Person  or a  person
reasonably  believed  by  Custodian  to be an  Authorized  Person of the Fund of
software  enabling  the Fund to obtain  access to the System  (the  "Software"),
Custodian  grants  to the  Fund a  personal,  nontransferable  and  nonexclusive
license to use the  Software  solely for the  purpose  of  transmitting  Written
Instructions,  receiving  reports,  making inquiries or otherwise  communicating
with  Custodian  in  connection  with the  Account(s).  The Fund  shall  use the
Software solely for its own internal and proper business purposes and not in the
operation of a service bureau.  Except as set forth herein,  no license or right
of any kind is  granted  to the Fund  with  respect  to the  Software.  The Fund
acknowledges  that  Custodian  and its  suppliers  retain  and  have  title  and
exclusive  proprietary  rights to the  Software,  including any trade secrets or
other ideas,  concepts,  know-how,  methodologies,  or information  incorporated
therein  and the  exclusive  rights to any  copyrights,  trademarks  and patents
(including  registrations and applications for registration of either), or other
statutory or legal  protections  available in respect thereof.  The Fund further
acknowledges  that  all  or a  part  of  the  Software  may  be  copyrighted  or
trademarked  (or a  registration  or claim made  therefor)  by  Custodian or its
suppliers.  The Fund shall not take any  action  with  respect  to the  Software
inconsistent  with the  foregoing  acknowledgments,  nor  shall you  attempt  to
decompile, reverse engineer or modify the Software. The Fund may not copy, sell,
lease or provide,  directly or  indirectly,  any of the  Software or any portion
thereof to any other person or entity without Custodian's prior written consent.
The Fund may not remove any statutory  copyright notice or other notice included
in the  Software  or on any  media  containing  the  Software.  The  Fund  shall
reproduce any such notice on any  reproduction of the Software and shall add any
statutory  copyright  notice  or other  notice  to the  Software  or media  upon
Custodian's request.

    2. EQUIPMENT. The Fund shall obtain and maintain at its own cost and expense
all  equipment  and  services,  including  but  not  limited  to  communications
services,  necessary  for it to utilize the  Software  and obtain  access to the
System,   and  Custodian  shall  not  be  responsible  for  the  reliability  or
availability of any such equipment or services.

    3. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.  The Software, any data base and any proprietary
data, processes, information and documentation made available to the Fund (other
than which are or become part of the public domain or are legally required to be
made  available  to the  public)  (collectively,  the  "Information"),  are  the
exclusive  and  confidential  property of Custodian or its  suppliers.  The Fund


<PAGE>

shall keep the  Information  confidential  by using the same care and discretion
that the Fund uses  with  respect  to its own  confidential  property  and trade
secrets, but not less than reasonable care. Upon termination of the Agreement or
the Software  license  granted  herein for any reason,  the Fund shall return to
Custodian any and all copies of the  Information  which are in its possession or
under its control.

    4.  MODIFICATIONS.  Custodian reserves the right to modify the Software from
time to time  and the  Fund  shall  install  new  releases  of the  Software  as
Custodian  may  direct.  The Fund  agrees not to modify or attempt to modify the
Software without  Custodian's prior written consent.  The Fund acknowledges that
any modifications to the Software,  whether by the Fund or Custodian and whether
with or without Custodian's consent, shall become the property of Custodian.

    5. NO  REPRESENTATIONS  OR WARRANTIES.  CUSTODIAN AND ITS  MANUFACTURERS AND
SUPPLIERS  MAKE NO WARRANTIES OR  REPRESENTATIONS  WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE,
SERVICES OR ANY DATABASE,  EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,  IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO  WARRANTIES  OF  MERCHANTABILITY  AND  FITNESS  FOR A  PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THE FUND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SOFTWARE,  SERVICES AND ANY DATABASE ARE
PROVIDED "AS IS." IN NO EVENT SHALL  CUSTODIAN OR ANY SUPPLIER BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL,  WHICH THE FUND MAY
INCUR  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THE  SOFTWARE,  SERVICES  OR ANY  DATABASE,  UNLESS
CUSTODIAN OR SUCH SUPPLIER KNOWS OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.  IN NO EVENT SHALL CUSTODIAN OR ANY SUPPLIER BE LIABLE FOR ACTS OF GOD,
MACHINE OR COMPUTER  BREAKDOWN OR  MALFUNCTION,  INTERRUPTION  OR MALFUNCTION OF
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES,  LABOR DIFFICULTIES OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR OR DISSIMILAR
CAUSE BEYOND THEIR REASONABLE CONTROL.

    6.  SECURITY;  RELIANCE;  UNAUTHORIZED  USE. The Fund will cause all persons
utilizing the Software and System to treat all applicable user and authorization
codes,  passwords  and  authentication  keys  with  extreme  care,  and it  will
establish   internal   control  and  safekeeping   procedures  to  restrict  the
availability  of the  same to  persons  duly  authorized  to give  Instructions.
Custodian is hereby irrevocably authorized to act in accordance with and rely on
Instructions received by it through the System. The Fund acknowledges that it is
its sole  responsibility  to assure that only  persons duly  authorized  use the
System  and  that  Custodian  shall  not  be  responsible  nor  liable  for  any
unauthorized use thereof.


<PAGE>

    7. SYSTEM  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.  Custodian shall acknowledge  through the System
its receipt of each transmission communicated through the System. In the absence
of such  acknowledgment  Custodian shall not be liable for any failure to act in
accordance  with such  transmission  however,  Custodian  will be liable for all
transmissions  where the Fund  shows  that such  transmission  was  received  by
Custodian.

    8.  EXPORT  RESTRICTIONS.  EXPORT OF THE  SOFTWARE IS  PROHIBITED  BY UNITED
STATES LAW. THE FUND MAY NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RESELL,  DIVERT,  TRANSFER,
TRANSSHIP OR OTHERWISE  DISPOSE OF THE SOFTWARE (IN ANY FORM) IN OR TO ANY OTHER
COUNTRY.  IF CUSTODIAN  DELIVERED THE SOFTWARE TO THE FUND OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED
STATES,  THE SOFTWARE WAS EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
EXPORTER  ADMINISTRATION   REGULATIONS.   DIVERSION  CONTRARY  TO  U.S.  LAW  IS
PROHIBITED.  The Fund hereby authorizes Custodian to report its name and address
to  government   agencies  to  which  Custodian  is  required  to  provide  such
information by law.

    9. ENCRYPTION.  The Fund  acknowledges and agrees that encryption may not be
available for every communication  through the System, or for all data. The Fund
agrees that Custodian may deactivate any encryption  features at any time,  with
notice to the Fund, for the purpose of maintaining, repairing or troubleshooting
the System or the Software.

    The Fund and the  bank  agree  that  the  obligations  of each  Fund are not
binding upon any of the Trustees/Directors. Officers or shareholders of the Fund
individually,  but are  binding  only upon that Fund and its  assets.  Each Fund
shall be  severally,  not  jointly,  liable for its own  obligations  under this
Agreement.


<PAGE>


                                   APPENDIX A


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
