John Hancock Utilities Fund
Supplement to Prospectus dated May 1, 1997
On September 9, 1997, the Trustees of the John Hancock Utilities Fund (the
"Fund") voted to recommend that the shareholders approve a tax-free
reorganization of the Fund, as described below.
Under the terms of the reorganization, subject to shareholder approval at a
shareholder meeting scheduled to be held on November 12, 1997, the Fund would
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock Growth and Income
Fund ("Growth and Income Fund") in a tax-free exchange for shares of equal value
of Growth and Income Fund. Further information regarding the proposed
reorganization will be contained in a proxy statement and prospectus which is
scheduled to be mailed to shareholders during the last week of September, 1997.
Effective September 17, 1997, John Hancock Utilities Fund will be closed to all
new accounts.
September 10, 1997
410PS 9/97
