HANCOCK JOHN EQUITY TRUST, 485BPOS, EX-99.(E).1, 2000-08-14

HANCOCK JOHN EQUITY TRUST
485BPOS, EX-99.(E).1, 2000-08-14

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                            JOHN HANCOCK EQUITY TRUST
                              101 Huntington Avenue
                                Boston, MA 02199



John Hancock Funds, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA  02199

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Pursuant to Section 14 of the Distribution Agreement dated as of August
1, 1991 between John Hancock Equity Trust (the "Trust") and John Hancock Broker
Distribution Services, Inc., now known as John Hancock Funds, Inc., please be
advised that the Trust has established a new series of its shares, namely, John
Hancock Growth Trends Fund (the "Fund"), and please be further advised that the
Trust desires to retain John Hancock Funds, Inc. to serve as distributor and
principal underwriter under the Distribution Agreement for the Fund.

         Please indicate your acceptance of this responsibility by signing this
letter as indicated below.



JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.            JOHN HANCOCK EQUITY TRUST
                                    On behalf of John Hancock Growth Trends Fund



By:   /s/James V. Bowhers              By:        /s/Maureen R. Ford
      -------------------                         ------------------
         James V. Bowhers                            Maureen R. Ford
         President                                   President


Dated:  August 28, 2000