Supplement to the John Hancock Growth Funds Prospectus dated July 1, 1999
for John Hancock Special Equities Fund
On July 19, 1999, the Trustees of the John Hancock Special Equities 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 December 1, 1999, the Fund would
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock Small Cap Growth Fund
("Small Cap Growth Fund") in a tax free exchange for shares of equal value of
Small Cap Growth Fund. Further information regarding the proposed reorganization
will be contained in proxy statement and prospectus which is scheduled to be
mailed to shareholders on or about September 27, 1999.
Effective August 2, 1999, John Hancock Special Equities Fund will be closed to
all new accounts.
July 19, 1999
GROPS 7/99
<PAGE>
Supplement to the John Hancock Special Equities Fund- Class Y
Prospectus dated March 1, 1999
On July 19, 1999, the Trustees of the John Hancock Special Equities 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 December 1, 1999, the Fund would
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock Small Cap Growth Fund
("Small Cap Growth Fund") in a tax free exchange for shares of equal value of
Small Cap Growth Fund. Further information regarding the proposed reorganization
will be contained in proxy statement and prospectus which is scheduled to be
mailed to shareholders on or about September 27, 1999.
Effective August 2, 1999, John Hancock Special Equities Fund will be closed to
all new accounts.
July 19, 1999
18YPS-7/99
