HARBOR FUND
485BPOS, 1998-02-26
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 26, 1998
    
 
                                                               FILE NO.  33-5852
                                                               FILE NO. 811-4676
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
                            ------------------------
 
   
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                   [X]

                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 24                    [X]

                                      AND

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                    UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940               [X]

                                AMENDMENT NO. 26                           [X]
    
 
                                  HARBOR FUND
               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
 
                        ONE SEAGATE, TOLEDO, OHIO 43666
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                 (419) 247-1940
              (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
 
        RONALD C. BOLLER                             ERNEST V. KLEIN, ESQ.
          HARBOR FUND                                  HALE AND DORR LLP
          ONE SEAGATE                                   60 STATE STREET
       TOLEDO, OHIO 43666                         BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
 
                    (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENTS FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ------------------------
 
   
  IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON MARCH 1, 1998
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF RULE 485.
    
 
   
                 THE INDEX TO EXHIBITS IS LOCATED AT PAGE C-6.
    
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                                  HARBOR FUND
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                          ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-1A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  ITEM NUMBER IN PART A                                    PROSPECTUS CAPTION
                  ---------------------                                    ------------------
<C>        <S>                                               <C>
     1.    Cover Page....................................    COVER PAGE
     2.    Synopsis......................................    PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
     3.    Condensed Financial Information...............    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
     4.    General Description of Registrant.............    HARBOR FUND IN DETAIL; ORGANIZATION AND
                                                             CAPITALIZATION
     5.    Management of the Fund........................    HARBOR FUND IN DETAIL; THE ADVISER,
                                                             SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
                                                             SERVICING AGENT; BACK COVER
     6.    Capital Stock and Other Securities............    ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION; DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                             AND TAX INFORMATION; SHARE PRICE; PORTFOLIO
                                                             TRANSACTIONS
     7.    Purchase of Securities Being Offered..........    YOUR HARBOR FUND ACCOUNT -- HOW TO BUY SHARES;
                                                             SHARE PRICE
     8.    Redemption or Repurchase......................    YOUR HARBOR FUND ACCOUNT -- HOW TO SELL
                                                             SHARES; SHARE PRICE
     9.    Pending Legal Proceedings.....................    NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
                  ITEM NUMBER IN PART B                                   INFORMATION CAPTION
                  ---------------------                                 -----------------------
<C>        <S>                                               <C>
    10.    Cover Page....................................    COVER PAGE
    11.    Table of Contents.............................    TABLE OF CONTENTS
    12.    General Information and History...............    ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
    13.    Investment Objectives and Policies............    ADDITIONAL POLICIES OF THE FUNDS; INVESTMENT
                                                             PRACTICES OF THE FUNDS; INVESTMENT
                                                             RESTRICTIONS
    14.    Management of the Fund........................    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
    15.    Control Persons and Principal Holders
             of Securities...............................    TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
    16.    Investment Advisory and Other Services........    THE ADVISER, SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND
                                                             SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT; INDEPENDENT
                                                             ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    17.    Brokerage Allocation..........................    PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
    18.    Capital Stock and Other Securities............    ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
    19.    Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Securities
             Being Offered...............................    SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT; REDEMPTIONS;
                                                             NET ASSET VALUE
    20.    Tax Status....................................    TAX INFORMATION
    21.    Underwriters..................................    THE ADVISER, SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND
                                                             SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
    22.    Calculation of Yield Quotations of Money
             Market Funds................................    PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION
    23.    Financial Statements..........................    PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS; INDEPENDENT
                                                             ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL
                                                             STATEMENTS
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
 
                              [PROSPECTUS LOGO]
 
 
                             MARCH 1, 1998
 

                             HARBOR FUND
<PAGE>   4
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   HARBOR FUND                                      PROSPECTUS--MARCH 1, 1998
   One SeaGate      Toledo, Ohio 43666
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Harbor Fund is a family of nine no-load mutual funds that offers you
investment opportunities in six equity funds: HARBOR GROWTH FUND, HARBOR
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND, HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND, HARBOR
INTERNATIONAL FUND II, HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND AND HARBOR VALUE FUND; two
fixed-income funds: HARBOR BOND FUND AND HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND; and a money
market fund: HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND. An investment in Harbor Money Market Fund
is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government and there can be no
assurance that the Fund will be able to maintain a stable net asset value of
$1.00 per share.
 
  The Funds and their investment objectives are described on the next page. You
may wish to pursue more than one investment objective by diversifying your
portfolio and investing in more than one Harbor Fund. Investing in the Funds
involves various investment risks and there can be no assurance that a Fund will
achieve its investment objective.
 
  This prospectus gives you information about Harbor Fund that you should know
before you invest. Additional information is included in the statement of
additional information dated March 1, 1998, as amended or supplemented from time
to time, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. For a copy, call 1-800-422-1050 or
write to Harbor Fund. KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                        <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................      2
Financial Highlights.....................      6
Harbor Fund in Detail....................     10
Your Harbor Fund Account.................     17
Shareholder and Account Policies.........     22
The Adviser, Subadvisers, Distributor and
  Shareholder Servicing Agent............     24
</TABLE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                        <C>
Description of Securities and Investment
  Techniques.............................     27
Performance and Yield Information........     34
Portfolio Transactions...................     35
Distributions and Tax Information........     35
Organization and Capitalization..........     37
Appendix A...............................     38
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   5
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  This Summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information set
forth in the Prospectus.
 
HARBOR FUND     Harbor Fund is a no-load, open-end management investment
                company, consisting of nine diversified mutual funds, registered
                under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company
                Act"). Each mutual fund represents a separate and distinct
                series of Harbor Fund's shares of beneficial interest. See
                Organization and Capitalization.
 
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES        The Funds are presented here in order of descending risk.
                Generally, if you are seeking higher returns you must assume
                greater risk as determined by the volatility of the net asset
                value of a Fund's shares. See Financial Highlights.
 
                                          EQUITY FUNDS
 
                The Equity Funds may be appropriate for investors who are
                willing to assume the risk of changes in the value of common
                stocks.
 
                HARBOR GROWTH FUND'S investment objective is long-term growth of
                capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing
                primarily in equity and equity-related securities of companies
                with market capitalizations or estimated revenues of not more
                than $500 million at the time of initial investment.
 
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND'S investment objective is
                long-term growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
                objective by investing primarily in equity and equity-related
                securities of foreign issuers.
 
                HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND'S investment objective is
                long-term growth of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
                objective by investing primarily in equity and equity-related
                securities of companies with market capitalizations of at least
                $1 billion and above-average prospects for growth.
 
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II'S investment objective is long-term
                total return principally from growth of capital. The Fund seeks
                to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity and
                equity-related securities of foreign issuers.
 
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND'S investment objective is long-term
                total return principally from growth of capital. The Fund seeks
                to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity and
                equity-related securities of foreign issuers.
 
                HARBOR VALUE FUND'S investment objective is long-term total
                return with an emphasis on current income. The Fund seeks to
                achieve its investment objective by investing in dividend-paying
                common stocks.
 
                                       FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
 
                The Fixed-Income Funds are designed for investors who are
                willing to assume the risk of changing interest rates and other
                factors, such as duration and maturity, that affect the market
                value of bonds.
 
                HARBOR BOND FUND'S investment objective is total return. The
                Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in an actively
                managed portfolio of fixed-income securities of corporate and
                governmental issuers located in the U.S. and foreign countries.
 
                HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND'S investment objective is total
                return that is consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund
                seeks to achieve its objective by investing in an actively
                managed portfolio of short-term, high grade fixed-income
                securities of corporate and governmental issuers located in the
                U.S. and foreign countries.
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
                                       MONEY MARKET FUND
 
                The Money Market Fund is designed for investors seeking the
                lowest possible investment risk associated with an investment in
                a mutual fund.
 
                HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND'S investment objective is current
                income. Consistent with its policy of preservation of capital
                and liquidity, the Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
                investing in money market instruments of domestic and foreign
                issuers.
 
INVESTMENT
ADVISER         Harbor Fund, on behalf of each Fund, has engaged Harbor Capital
                Advisors, Inc. ("Adviser") as investment adviser. The Adviser
                supervises the portfolio management of each Fund by its
                subadviser, recommends the hiring, termination and replacement
                of subadvisers to Harbor Fund's Board of Trustees and
                administers each Fund's business affairs. See The Adviser,
                Subadvisers, Distributor and Shareholder Servicing Agent.
 
THE SUB-
ADVISERS        Each Fund's portfolio is managed by one or more subadvisers
                ("Subadvisers") consistent with each Fund's investment objective
                and policies.
 
                HARBOR GROWTH FUND:                          Emerging Growth
                                                             Advisors, Inc.
                                                             ("Emerging Growth")
 
   
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND AND
                HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND:            Jennison Associates
                LLC ("Jennison")
    
 
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II:                Summit
                                                             International
                                                             Investments, Inc.
                                                             ("Summit")
 
                HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND:                   Northern Cross
                                                             Investments Limited
                                                             ("Northern Cross")
 
                HARBOR VALUE FUND:                           DePrince, Race &
                Zollo, Inc. ("DRZ") and
                                           Richards & Tierney, Inc. ("R&T")
 
                HARBOR BOND FUND:                            Pacific Investment
                                                             Management Company
                                                             ("PIMCO")
 
                HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND AND
                HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND:                    Fischer Francis
                                                             Trees & Watts, Inc.
                                                             ("Fischer")
 
RISK FACTORS    Each Equity Fund is subject to the risks associated with
                investing in equity securities. Equity securities may include
                common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities and
                warrants. Common stocks, the most familiar type, represent an
                equity (ownership) interest in a corporation. This ownership
                interest often gives the Fund the right to vote on measures
                affecting the company's organization and operations. Although
                common stocks have a history of long-term growth in value, their
                prices may fluctuate dramatically in the short term in response
                to changes in market conditions, interest rates and other
                company, political and economic news.
 
                Harbor International Growth Fund, Harbor International Fund II
                and Harbor International Fund invest primarily in foreign
                securities. Foreign securities and foreign currencies may
                involve risks in addition to the risks associated with equity
                securities generally. These include currency fluctuations, risks
                relating to political or economic conditions in the foreign
                country and the potentially less stringent investor protection,
                disclosure standards and settlement procedures of foreign
                markets. These factors could make foreign investments,
                especially those in developing countries, more volatile.
 
                Each Fixed-Income Fund is subject to the risks associated with
                investing in bonds. Bonds are issued to evidence loans that
                investors make to corporations and governments. Bonds in which
                the Funds may invest are issued by U.S. corporations, by the
                U.S. Treasury, by various cities and states and by various
                federal, state and local government agencies. Foreign companies
                and governments also issue bonds available to U.S. investors.
 
                Over time, the level of interest rates available in the
                marketplace changes. As prevailing rates fall, the prices of
                bonds and other securities that trade on a yield basis tend to
                rise. On the other hand, when prevailing interest rates rise,
                bond prices generally will fall. Generally the longer the
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
                maturity of a fixed-income security, the higher its yield and
                the greater its price volatility. Conversely, usually the
                shorter the maturity, the lower the yield but the greater the
                price stability. These factors operate in the fixed-income
                market place to have an effect on the volatility of the share
                price of each Fixed-Income Fund. A change in the level of
                interest rates causes the net asset value per share of a
                Fixed-Income Fund to change. If sustained over time, it would
                also have the effect of raising or lowering the yield of the
                Fund.
 
                Fixed-Income securities are also subject to credit risk. When a
                security is purchased, its anticipated yield is dependent on the
                timely payment by the borrower of each interest and principal
                installment. Credit analysis and resultant bond ratings take
                into account the relative likelihood that such timely payment
                will result. Therefore, lower-rated bonds tend to sell at higher
                yields than higher-rated bonds of similar maturity. Furthermore,
                as economic, political and business developments unfold,
                lower-quality bonds, which possess lower levels of protection
                with respect to timely payment, usually exhibit more price
                fluctuation than do higher-quality bonds of like maturity. See
                Description of Securities and Investment
                Techniques--Fixed-Income Securities.
 
                Harbor Short Duration Fund may invest in reverse repurchase
                agreements which will have the effect of leveraging the Fund's
                assets. The use of leverage by the Fund, which may be considered
                speculative, creates an opportunity for increased returns but at
                the same time creates special risks. See Description of
                Securities and Investment Techniques--Reverse Repurchase
                Agreements.
 
   
HOW TO BUY
SHARES          You may purchase shares of each Fund at the net asset value next
                determined after receipt of your purchase request in good order.
                The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $2,000. The
                minimum is lowered to $500 per Fund if you are investing in an
                IRA, SEP-IRA, UGMA, UTMA, profit sharing, savings or pension
                plan, or if you are beginning a Systematic Investment Plan. See
                Your Harbor Fund Account--How to Buy Shares.
    
 
HOW TO SELL
SHARES          You may redeem shares directly from a Fund at the net asset
                value per share next determined after receipt of your redemption
                request in good order. Redemptions may be made by mail or
                telephone. Shareholders in Harbor Money Market Fund also have a
                checkwriting privilege available. See Your Harbor Fund
                Account--How to Sell Shares.
 
DISTRIBUTION
OPTIONS         Unless you elect to receive income dividends and capital gains
                in cash or shares of another Harbor Fund, they will be
                reinvested in additional shares of the respective distributing
                Fund. Dividend and capital gains distributions, if any, are made
                at least annually. See Distributions and Tax Information.
 
EXCHANGE
PRIVILEGE       You may exchange your shares of any Fund for shares of another
                Fund (except Harbor International Fund unless you have an
                existing account) at the net asset value next determined after
                receipt of your exchange request in good order. A telephone
                exchange privilege is available. See Shareholder and Account
                Policies.
 
NET ASSET
VALUE           The net asset value per share of each Fund is calculated after
                the close of trading on each day the New York Stock Exchange is
                open for trading. Call 1-800-422-1050 for the current day's net
                asset value of any Fund. See Shareholder and Account
                Policies--Transaction Details.
 
TAXATION        Each Fund has qualified and has elected to be treated as a
                regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes
                under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and intends to
                continue to qualify for such treatment. See Distributions and
                Tax Information.
 
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATION   Each shareholder will receive annual and semi-annual reports
                containing financial statements, a statement confirming each
                share transaction and quarterly combined statements. Financial
                statements included in annual reports are audited by Harbor
                Fund's independent certified public accountants.
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
EXPENSE INFORMATION
 
  The following table lists estimated Annual Operating Expenses for each Fund
for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1998 based on actual expenses incurred in
the most recently completed fiscal year.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 HARBOR          HARBOR
                                     HARBOR   INTERNATIONAL     CAPITAL         HARBOR          HARBOR       HARBOR   HARBOR
                                     GROWTH      GROWTH       APPRECIATION   INTERNATIONAL   INTERNATIONAL   VALUE     BOND
                                      FUND        FUND            FUND        FUND II(1)        FUND(1)       FUND    FUND(1)
                                     ------   -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------   ------   -------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>      <C>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percentage of
  average net assets)
     Advisory Fees
      (after fee limitation)(1)....  0.75%        0.75%          0.60%           0.65%           0.80%       0.60%     0.48%
     Other Expenses................  0.24%*       0.27%          0.10%           0.43%           0.17%       0.23%     0.20%
                                     -----        -----          -----           -----           -----       -----     -----
     Total Operating Expenses(2)...  0.99%*       1.02%          0.70%           1.08%           0.97%       0.83%     0.68%
                                     =====        =====          =====           =====           =====       =====     =====
 
<CAPTION>
                                      HARBOR    HARBOR
                                      SHORT      MONEY
                                     DURATION   MARKET
                                     FUND(1)    FUND(1)
                                     --------   -------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  (as a percentage of
  average net assets)
     Advisory Fees
      (after fee limitation)(1)....   0.20%      0.18%
     Other Expenses................   0.80%**    0.44%
                                      -----      -----
     Total Operating Expenses(2)...   1.00%**    0.62%
                                      =====      =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
 * Harbor Growth Fund's other expenses and total operating expenses have been
   restated to reflect an expected decrease in expenses in the current year. If
   these expenses had not been restated, other expenses and total operating
   expenses would have been 0.37% and 1.12%, respectively.
** Includes interest expense of .64%. Excluding interest expense, other expenses
   would be 0.16% and total operating expenses would be 0.36%.
 
(1)  The Adviser (and in the case of Harbor International Fund, the Subadviser)
     has voluntarily agreed that all or a portion of their fees will not be
     imposed during the current fiscal year. In the absence of such an
     agreement, the advisory fees for Harbor International Fund II, Harbor
     International Fund, Harbor Bond Fund, Harbor Short Duration Fund and Harbor
     Money Market Fund would be 0.75%, 0.85%, 0.70%, 0.40% and 0.30%,
     respectively; and the estimated Total Operating Expenses would be 1.18%,
     1.02%, 0.90%, 1.20%, (0.56% excluding interest expense) and 0.74%,
     respectively. Total operating expenses for Harbor International Fund II and
     Harbor Bond Fund are restated to reflect current advisory fees.
 
   
(2)  During the year ended October 31, 1997, custodian fees were reduced by
     credits resulting from cash balances maintained with State Street Bank and
     Trust Company. In the absence of such credits, the Total Operating Expenses
     shown in the above table would have been 1.03% for Harbor International
     Growth Fund, 1.09% for Harbor International Fund II, 1.02% for Harbor Short
     Duration Fund, and .64% for Harbor Money Market Fund.
    
                   ------------------------------------------
Example: You would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000
investment, assuming 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each time
period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1 YEAR           3 YEARS           5 YEARS           10 YEARS
                                               ------           -------           -------           --------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
Harbor Growth Fund.......................       $10               $32               $56               $128
Harbor International Growth Fund.........       $10               $33               $58               $132
Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund.........       $ 7               $23               $40               $ 90
Harbor International Fund II.............       $11               $35               $61               $139
Harbor International Fund................       $10               $31               $55               $125
Harbor Value Fund........................       $ 9               $27               $47               $107
Harbor Bond Fund.........................       $ 7               $22               $39               $ 88
Harbor Short Duration Fund*..............       $10               $32               $57               $129
Harbor Money Market Fund.................       $ 6               $20               $35               $ 80
</TABLE>
 
  The purpose of the above table and Example is to summarize the aggregate
expenses of each Fund to assist you in understanding the various costs and
expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. THE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATES THE
EFFECT OF EXPENSES, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
- ------------
* Includes interest expense. Excluding interest expense, the expenses would be
  $4, $12, $20 and $46, respectively.
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
  The tables below provide share information derived from each Fund's financial
statements relating to income from investment operations, distributions, total
return and ratios and other supplemental information. The following information
has been examined by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, whose
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                                                    -------------------------------------------
                                                                          NET REALIZED AND
                                                                     UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)
                                  NET ASSET VALUE                     ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES,    TOTAL FROM
                                   BEGINNING OF     NET INVESTMENT      OPTIONS AND FOREIGN       INVESTMENT
        YEAR/PERIOD ENDED             PERIOD         INCOME/LOSS         CURRENCY CONTRACTS       OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>                          <C>
HARBOR GROWTH FUND(1)
October 31, 1997.................     $16.00            $  --                  $ 2.30               $ 2.30
October 31, 1996.................      15.73             (.08)(a)                2.20                 2.12
October 31, 1995.................      12.83             (.04)                   3.26                 3.22
October 31, 1994.................      14.01               --                   (1.16)               (1.16)
October 31, 1993.................      12.42              .01                    2.95                 2.96
October 31, 1992.................      15.76              .02                   (1.01)                (.99)
October 31, 1991.................      10.21              .04                    6.53                 6.57
October 31, 1990.................      12.95              .10                   (2.24)               (2.14)
October 31, 1989.................      11.04              .09                    1.94                 2.03
October 31, 1988.................      10.25              .12                    1.56                 1.68
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
October 31, 1997.................     $15.35            $ .12                  $ 1.12               $ 1.24
October 31, 1996.................      12.10              .14(a)                 3.22                 3.36
October 31, 1995.................      11.53              .11*                    .54                  .65
October 31, 1994(2)..............      10.00              .07*                   1.47                 1.54
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND(3)
October 31, 1997.................     $25.88            $ .06                  $ 8.95               $ 9.01
October 31, 1996.................      23.20              .02                    3.00                 3.02
October 31, 1995.................      17.31              .04                    6.06                 6.10
October 31, 1994.................      17.30              .03                    1.14                 1.17
October 31, 1993.................      16.30              .03                    3.03                 3.06
October 31, 1992.................      15.18              .02                    2.12                 2.14
October 31, 1991.................      10.65              .06                    5.47                 5.53
October 31, 1990.................      13.42              .15                   (1.53)               (1.38)
October 31, 1989.................      11.67              .22                    2.09                 2.31
October 31, 1988(4)..............      10.00              .14                    1.53                 1.67
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II
October 31, 1997.................     $10.47            $ .10*                 $ 1.63               $ 1.73
October 31, 1996(5)..............      10.00              .01*                    .46                  .47
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND(6)
October 31, 1997.................     $31.21            $ .41*                 $ 5.44               $ 5.85
October 31, 1996.................      26.93              .41*                   4.41                 4.82
October 31, 1995.................      26.87              .39*                    .85                 1.24
October 31, 1994.................      22.85              .26*                   3.98                 4.24
October 31, 1993.................      16.77              .17*                   6.31                 6.48
October 31, 1992.................      17.69              .24                    (.95)                (.71)
October 31, 1991.................      15.74              .16                    2.47                 2.63
October 31, 1990.................      15.99              .37*                    .27                  .64
October 31, 1989.................      13.00              .18*                   3.67                 3.85
October 31, 1988(4)..............      10.00              .07*                   2.93                 3.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR VALUE FUND(7)
October 31, 1997.................     $16.04            $ .34                  $ 4.13               $ 4.47
October 31, 1996.................      14.57              .40                    2.74                 3.14
October 31, 1995.................      13.50              .40                    2.13                 2.53
October 31, 1994.................      14.31              .36                     .27                  .63
October 31, 1993.................      13.24              .35                    1.22                 1.57
October 31, 1992.................      13.10              .41*                    .49                  .90
October 31, 1991.................      10.84              .46*                   2.71                 3.17
October 31, 1990.................      13.77              .51*                  (2.13)               (1.62)
October 31, 1989.................      11.73              .47*                   2.49                 2.96
October 31, 1988(4)..............      10.00              .29*                   1.69                 1.98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
                                   -----------------------------------
                                   DIVIDENDS FROM   DISTRIBUTIONS FROM    IN EXCESS OF
                                   NET INVESTMENT      NET REALIZED      NET INVESTMENT
        YEAR/PERIOD ENDED              INCOME        CAPITAL GAINS**         INCOME
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>              <C>                  <C>
HARBOR GROWTH FUND(1)
October 31, 1997.................      $   --             $(4.10)            $  --
October 31, 1996.................          --              (1.85)               --
October 31, 1995.................          --               (.32)               --
October 31, 1994.................          --               (.02)               --
October 31, 1993.................        (.01)             (1.36)               --
October 31, 1992.................        (.04)             (2.31)               --
October 31, 1991.................        (.08)              (.94)               --
October 31, 1990.................        (.11)              (.49)               --
October 31, 1989.................        (.12)                --                --
October 31, 1988.................        (.10)              (.79)               --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.08)            $ (.36)            $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.11)                --                --
October 31, 1995.................        (.08)                --                --
October 31, 1994(2)..............        (.01)                --                --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND(
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.02)            $ (.86)            $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.03)              (.31)               --
October 31, 1995.................        (.04)              (.17)               --
October 31, 1994.................        (.03)             (1.13)               --
October 31, 1993.................        (.02)             (2.04)               --
October 31, 1992.................        (.04)              (.98)               --
October 31, 1991.................        (.14)              (.86)               --
October 31, 1990.................        (.21)             (1.18)               --
October 31, 1989.................        (.18)              (.38)               --
October 31, 1988(4)..............          --                 --                --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.02)            $ (.04)            $  --
October 31, 1996(5)..............          --                 --                --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND(6)
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.42)            $ (.80)            $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.41)              (.13)               --
October 31, 1995.................        (.24)              (.94)               --
October 31, 1994.................        (.22)                --                --
October 31, 1993.................        (.22)              (.18)               --
October 31, 1992.................        (.21)                --                --
October 31, 1991.................        (.34)              (.34)               --
October 31, 1990.................        (.17)              (.72)               --
October 31, 1989.................        (.10)              (.76)               --
October 31, 1988(4)..............          --                 --                --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR VALUE FUND(7)
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.34)            $(2.00)            $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.40)             (1.27)               --
October 31, 1995.................        (.39)             (1.07)               --
October 31, 1994.................        (.34)             (1.10)               --
October 31, 1993.................        (.35)              (.15)               --
October 31, 1992.................        (.41)              (.35)               --
October 31, 1991.................        (.47)              (.44)               --
October 31, 1990.................        (.51)              (.80)               --
October 31, 1989.................        (.48)              (.44)               --
October 31, 1988(4)..............        (.25)                --                --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
See page 9 for notes to the Financial Highlights.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
report thereon is incorporated by reference, and attached to the Statement of
Additional Information. Further information about the performance of each Fund
is contained in Harbor Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders
which may be obtained without charge by calling 800-422-1050.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                                   ADVISER OR
       TAX                                                                       RATIO OF          SUBADVISER          RATIO OF
      RETURN                        NET ASSET                NET ASSETS     OPERATING EXPENSES        FEES         INTEREST EXPENSE
        OF           TOTAL        VALUE END OF     TOTAL    END OF PERIOD       TO AVERAGE         NOT IMPOSED        TO AVERAGE
     CAPITAL     DISTRIBUTIONS       PERIOD        RETURN   ($ THOUSANDS)     NET ASSETS (%)       (PER SHARE)      NET ASSETS (%)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>          <C>             <C>               <C>      <C>             <C>                  <C>               <C>
      $   --        $(4.10)          $14.20         18.64%   $  104,568            1.12%              $ --                 --%
          --         (1.85)           16.00         14.84       113,511            0.92                 --                 --
          --          (.32)           15.73         25.93       137,524            0.93                 --                 --
          --          (.02)           12.83         (8.29)      141,330            0.93                 --                 --
          --         (1.37)           14.01         26.17       208,320            0.90                 --                 --
          --         (2.35)           12.42         (7.48)      191,464            0.90                 --                 --
          --         (1.02)           15.76         68.72       211,494            0.91                 --                 --
          --          (.60)           10.21        (17.43)      122,622            0.94                 --                 --
          --          (.12)           12.95         18.55       139,399            1.03                 --                 --
          --          (.89)           11.04         17.52       115,972            1.06                 --                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      $   --        $ (.44)          $16.15          8.13%   $  918,950            1.02%              $ --                 --%
          --          (.11)           15.35         27.86       478,969            1.10                 --                 --
          --          (.08)           12.10          5.83       122,415            1.21*               .01                 --
          --          (.01)           11.53         15.36        74,734            1.32*               .02                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      $   --        $ (.88)          $34.01         35.73%   $2,798,404            0.70%              $ --                 --%
          --          (.34)           25.88         13.22     1,583,215            0.75                 --                 --
          --          (.21)           23.20         35.73       925,751            0.75                 --                 --
          --         (1.16)           17.31          7.25       225,984            0.81                 --                 --
          --         (2.06)           17.30         20.16       145,331            0.86                 --                 --
          --         (1.02)           16.30         14.41        77,445            0.91                 --                 --
          --         (1.00)           15.18         55.35        80,316            0.89                 --                 --
          --         (1.39)           10.65        (11.52)       54,560            0.88                 --                 --
          --          (.56)           13.42         20.91        60,367            0.92                 --                 --
          --            --            11.67         15.89++      46,457            0.99+                --                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      $   --        $ (.06)          $12.14         16.64%   $  134,957            0.98%*             $.02                 --%
          --            --            10.47          4.70++      12,573            1.44*+              .01                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      $   --        $(1.22)          $35.84         19.26%   $5,090,048            0.97%*             $.02                 --%
          --         (0.54)           31.21         18.17     4,030,127            0.99*               .01                 --
          --         (1.18)           26.93          5.06     3,267,157            1.04*               .01                 --
          --          (.22)           26.87         18.57     3,129,634            1.10*               .01                 --
          --          (.40)           22.85         39.51     2,275,053            1.20*                --+++              --
          --          (.21)           16.77         (4.08)      700,733            1.28                 --                 --
          --          (.68)           17.69         17.74       205,703            1.35                 --                 --
          --          (.89)           15.74          3.81        63,745            1.40*               .01                 --
          --          (.86)           15.99         31.30        29,018           1.15*                .08                 --
          --            --            13.00         30.00++      10,349            1.78*+              .07                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      $   --        $(2.34)          $18.17         31.08%   $  161,359            0.83%              $ --                 --%
          --         (1.67)           16.04         23.08       112,109            0.83                 --                 --
          --         (1.46)           14.57         21.02        84,514            0.90                 --                 --
          --         (1.44)           13.50          4.80        59,390            1.04                 --                 --
          --          (.50)           14.31         11.99        59,884            0.88                 --                 --
          --          (.76)           13.24          7.06        63,974            0.84*               .01                 --
          --          (.91)           13.10         30.18        43,066            0.93*               .01                 --
          --         (1.31)           10.84        (13.00)       23,453            1.01*               .02                 --
          --          (.92)           13.77         26.64        23,418            1.02*               .04                 --
          --          (.25)           11.73         20.07++      11,551            1.40*+              .04                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
       RATIO OF NET                       AVERAGE
     INVESTMENT INCOME                   COMMISSION
        TO AVERAGE        PORTFOLIO         RATE
      NET ASSETS (%)     TURNOVER (%)     PAID***
- ---------------------------------------------------
<S>  <C>                 <C>            <C>
           (0.47)%           147.37%       $.0120
           (0.50)             87.97         .0561
           (0.30)             87.94            --
              --             115.89            --
            0.11             170.85            --
            0.14              83.83            --
            0.32              97.64            --
            0.74              95.95            --
            0.75             104.09            --
            1.14              52.63            --
- ---------------------------------------------------
            0.91%             76.19%       $.0190
            0.99              55.17         .0322
            1.31*             74.86            --
            0.87*             41.80            --
- ---------------------------------------------------
            0.23%             72.80%       $.0605
            0.11              73.69         .0629
            0.23              51.65            --
            0.24              72.89            --
            0.24              93.24            --
            0.12              69.33            --
            0.47              89.99            --
            1.18             162.43            --
            1.77              75.11            --
            1.48+             47.67            --
- ---------------------------------------------------
            1.33%*            57.61%       $.0005
            0.40*+             2.61         .0003
- ---------------------------------------------------
            1.20%*             6.39%       $.0248
            1.42*              9.73         .0119
            1.53*             14.01            --
            1.09*             28.70            --
            1.28*             15.70            --
            1.98              24.67            --
            1.76              18.63            --
            2.82*             28.28            --
            1.56*             21.05            --
            0.87*+            26.66            --
- ---------------------------------------------------
            1.98%            145.85%       $.0494
            2.65*            132.39         .0448
            3.00             135.93            --
            2.66             150.94            --
            2.48              50.20            --
            3.11*             19.68            --
            3.61*             32.60            --
            3.96*             31.41            --
            3.92*             39.89            --
            3.36*+            43.74            --
- ---------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
                                                    -------------------------------------------
                                                                          NET REALIZED AND
                                                                     UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES)
                                  NET ASSET VALUE                     ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES,    TOTAL FROM
                                   BEGINNING OF     NET INVESTMENT      OPTIONS AND FOREIGN       INVESTMENT
        YEAR/PERIOD ENDED             PERIOD            INCOME           CURRENCY CONTRACTS       OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>              <C>                          <C>
HARBOR BOND FUND
October 31, 1997.................     $11.28            $ .68*                 $  .30               $  .98
October 31, 1996.................      11.21              .72*                    .09                  .81
October 31, 1995.................      10.41              .74*                    .73                 1.47
October 31, 1994.................      11.92              .68*                  (1.02)                (.34)
October 31, 1993.................      11.35              .68*                    .82                 1.50
October 31, 1992.................      11.11              .79*                    .50                 1.29
October 31, 1991.................      10.03              .83*                   1.09                 1.92
October 31, 1990.................      10.55              .84*                   (.44)                 .40
October 31, 1989.................      10.26              .76*                    .37                 1.13
October 31, 1988(4)..............      10.00              .60*                    .17                  .77
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND
October 31, 1997.................     $ 8.79            $ .45*                 $  .01               $  .46
October 31, 1996.................       8.82              .63*                   (.02)                 .61
October 31, 1995.................       8.77              .52*                    .06                  .58
October 31, 1994.................       9.68              .34*                   (.12)                 .22
October 31, 1993.................      10.09              .34*                    .16                  .50
October 31, 1992(8)..............      10.00              .29*                    .08                  .37
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND
October 31, 1997.................     $ 1.00            $ .02*                 $   --               $  .02
October 31, 1996.................       1.00              .05*                     --                  .05
October 31, 1995.................       1.00              .06*                     --                  .06
October 31, 1994.................       1.00              .03*                     --                  .03
October 31, 1993.................       1.00              .03*                     --                  .03
October 31, 1992.................       1.00              .04*                     --                  .04
October 31, 1991.................       1.00              .06                      --                  .06
October 31, 1990.................       1.00              .08                      --                  .08
October 31, 1989.................       1.00              .08                     .01                  .09
October 31, 1988(4)..............       1.00              .06                      --                  .06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
                                   -----------------------------------
                                   DIVIDENDS FROM   DISTRIBUTIONS FROM    IN EXCESS OF
                                   NET INVESTMENT      NET REALIZED      NET INVESTMENT
        YEAR/PERIOD ENDED              INCOME        CAPITAL GAINS**         INCOME
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>              <C>                  <C>
HARBOR BOND FUND
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.69)            $   --             $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.74)                --                --
October 31, 1995.................        (.67)                --                --
October 31, 1994.................        (.67)              (.50)               --
October 31, 1993.................        (.68)              (.25)               --
October 31, 1992.................        (.79)              (.26)               --
October 31, 1991.................        (.84)                --                --
October 31, 1990.................        (.83)              (.09)               --
October 31, 1989.................        (.77)              (.07)               --
October 31, 1988(4)..............        (.51)                --                --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.59)            $   --             $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.60)                --              (.04)
October 31, 1995.................        (.52)                --              (.01)
October 31, 1994.................       (1.08)                --                --
October 31, 1993.................        (.82)              (.09)               --
October 31, 1992(8)..............        (.28)                --                --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND
October 31, 1997.................      $ (.02)            $   --             $  --
October 31, 1996.................        (.05)                --                --
October 31, 1995.................        (.06)                --                --
October 31, 1994.................        (.03)                --                --
October 31, 1993.................        (.03)                --                --
October 31, 1992.................        (.04)                --                --
October 31, 1991.................        (.06)                --                --
October 31, 1990.................        (.08)                --                --
October 31, 1989.................        (.08)              (.01)               --
October 31, 1988(4)..............        (.06)                --                --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                             ADVISER OR
      TAX                                                                  RATIO OF          SUBADVISER          RATIO OF
    RETURN                     NET ASSET               NET ASSETS     OPERATING EXPENSES        FEES         INTEREST EXPENSE
      OF          TOTAL        VALUE END     TOTAL    END OF PERIOD       TO AVERAGE         NOT IMPOSED        TO AVERAGE
    CAPITAL   DISTRIBUTIONS    OF PERIOD     RETURN   ($ THOUSANDS)     NET ASSETS (%)       (PER SHARE)      NET ASSETS (%)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>       <C>             <C>            <C>      <C>             <C>                  <C>               <C>
    $   --       $ (.69)         $11.57        8.96%    $362,594             0.67%*             $.03                 --%
        --         (.74)          11.28        7.56      279,849            0.70*                .03                 --
        --         (.67)          11.21       14.56      222,998             0.70*               .03                 --
        --        (1.17)          10.41       (3.14)     162,221             0.77*               .03                 --
        --         (.93)          11.92       13.98      164,382             0.72*               .02                 --
        --        (1.05)          11.35       12.14       65,420             0.77*               .04                 --
        --         (.84)          11.11       20.01       40,486             0.86*               .04                 --
        --         (.92)          10.03        4.03       24,341             1.22*               .02                 --
        --         (.84)          10.55       11.66       21,233             1.21*               .04                 --
        --         (.51)          10.26        7.91++     11,225             1.55*+              .03                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    $   --       $ (.59)         $ 8.66        5.48%    $162,476             0.36%*             $.02               0.64%
        --         (.64)           8.79        7.24      182,292            0.33*                .02               1.26
        --         (.53)           8.82        6.82      105,007             0.38*               .02               1.46
      (.05)       (1.13)           8.77        2.53      115,891             0.38*                --+++            1.26
        --         (.91)           9.68        5.18      135,189             0.43*               .02                .69
        --         (.28)          10.09        3.72++    186,523             0.35*+              .01               1.19+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    $   --       $ (.02)         $ 1.00        5.11%    $ 73,540             0.62%*             $ --+++              --%
        --         (.05)           1.00        5.08       65,991            0.64*                 --+++              --
        --         (.06)           1.00        5.66       64,492             0.61*                --+++              --
        --         (.03)           1.00        3.53       60,024             0.67*                --+++              --
        --         (.03)           1.00        2.68       46,879             0.71*                --+++              --
        --         (.04)           1.00        3.67       55,244             0.69*                --+++              --
        --         (.06)           1.00        6.25       57,093             0.66                 --                 --
        --         (.08)           1.00        8.02       49,968             0.66                 --                 --
        --         (.09)           1.00        9.44       43,727             0.70                 --                 --
        --         (.06)           1.00        5.61++     68,475             0.66+                --                 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
       RATIO OF NET                      AVERAGE
     INVESTMENT INCOME                  COMMISSION
        TO AVERAGE        PORTFOLIO        RATE
      NET ASSETS (%)     TURNOVER (%)    PAID***
- --------------------------------------------------
<S>  <C>                 <C>            <C>
            6.04%*           252.37%      $   --
            6.40*            192.64           --
            7.11*             88.69           --
            6.29*            150.99           --
            6.19*            119.92           --
            7.30*             52.54           --
            8.12*             58.45           --
            8.30*             90.99           --
            8.20*             91.17           --
            7.42*+           124.15           --
- --------------------------------------------------
- ---
            5.14%*         1,518.68%      $   --
            6.84*          1,277.82           --
            6.19*            725.96           --
            4.61*            895.76           --
            4.19*          1,212.20           --
            3.79*+         2,759.70           --
- --------------------------------------------------
- ---
            4.97%*              N/A       $   --
            4.85*               N/A           --
            5.42*               N/A           --
            3.38*               N/A           --
            2.58*               N/A           --
            3.39*               N/A           --
            5.70                N/A           --
            7.54                N/A           --
            8.40                N/A           --
            6.97+               N/A           --
- --------------------------------------------------
- ---
</TABLE>
 
 (1) Effective May 2, 1997, Harbor Growth Fund appointed Emerging Growth
     Advisors, Inc. as its Subadviser.
 (2) For the period November 1, 1993 (commencement of operations) through
     October 31, 1994.
 (3) Effective May 1, 1990, Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund appointed Jennison
     Associates Capital Corp. as its Subadviser.
 (4) For the period December 29, 1987 (commencement of operations) through
     October 31, 1988.
 (5) For the period June 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) through October
     31, 1996.
 (6) Effective April 1, 1993, Harbor International Fund appointed Northern Cross
     Investments Limited as its Subadviser.
 (7) Harbor Value Fund appointed Richards & Tierney, Inc. and DePrince, Race, &
     Zollo, Inc. as its Subadvisers effective November 1, 1993 and April 20,
     1995, respectively.
 (8) For the period January 1, 1992 (commencement of operations) through October
     31, 1992.
   + Annualized
  ++ Unannualized
 +++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
  *  Reflects the Adviser's or Subadviser's agreement not to impose all or a
     portion of its advisory fees.
 **  Includes both short-term and long-term gains.
***  Average commission rate paid may vary from period to period and fund to 
     fund
     depending on the mix of trades executed in various markets where trading
     practices and commission rates may differ.
(a)  Based on monthly average of shares outstanding during the fiscal year.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
                             HARBOR FUND IN DETAIL
 
  Harbor Fund offers a range of investment opportunities through the nine mutual
funds offered in this Prospectus. Each Fund has its own investment objective and
policies. The Funds' investment objectives and policies are non-fundamental and
may be changed by Harbor Fund's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
Harbor Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions that are
enumerated in detail in the Statement of Additional Information and which may
not be changed without shareholder approval.
 
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
  HARBOR GROWTH FUND. Harbor Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in equity and equity-related securities of companies with
market capitalization or estimated revenues of not more than $500 million at the
time of initial investment. Under normal market conditions, the Fund intends to
invest substantially all, but at least 65%, of its total assets in a diversified
portfolio of equity and equity-related securities of approximately 40 issuers.
In selecting companies for the Fund, Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc., the Fund's
Subadviser (the "Subadviser or Emerging Growth") examines a company's business
characteristics looking for those companies with favorable prospective financial
and long-term growth dynamics where management is committed to improving the
company's earnings at an above average growth rate. The companies in which the
Fund invests include those with new and innovative products or services.
 
  The Fund's policy of investing in a small number of stocks exposes the Fund to
the risk that a substantial decrease in the value of a stock may cause the net
asset value of the Fund to fluctuate more than if the Fund were invested in a
greater number of stocks. In exceptional market circumstances or to preserve the
Fund's compliance with the SEC's policies on industry concentration and issuer
diversification, the Fund may invest in more than 40 stocks. The Fund's policy
of investing in small companies presents greater opportunities for growth, but
also involves more risk than investments in larger, more established companies.
See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund
may invest all or a portion of its assets in cash and cash equivalents, such as
obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial paper and short-term
obligations.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, lend securities, engage in short sales
up to 25% of its total assets and occasionally invest in securities of foreign
issuers. For additional information about the securities in which the Fund
invests and the management techniques the Subadviser employs to manage the Fund,
see "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
  HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND.  Harbor International Growth Fund seeks
long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in equity and equity-related
securities of foreign issuers including issuers in emerging markets. Under
normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in equity
securities in a minimum of three countries. Current income, if any, is a
subordinate consideration.
 
  Unlike Harbor International Fund II and Harbor International Fund, the Fund
seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a focused selection of
approximately 20-40 common stocks or securities with common stock
characteristics, such as preferred stock, warrants and debt securities
convertible into common stock of issuers that demonstrate a tendency towards
long-term secular growth.
 
  The Fund's policy of investing in a narrowly focused selection of stocks may
expose the Fund to the risk that a substantial decrease in the value of a stock
may cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate more than if the Fund
were invested in a greater number of stocks. In exceptional market circumstances
or to preserve the Fund's compliance with the SEC's policies on industry and
country concentration and issuer diversification, the Fund's assets may be
invested in more than 40 stocks.
 
  The Fund may also invest in foreign securities in the form of American
Depository Receipts (ADRs), European Depository Receipts (EDRs), Global
Depository Receipts (GDRs), International Depository Receipts (IDRs) or other
similar securities representing ownership of securities of foreign issuers.
 
   
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by the Fund's Subadviser,
Jennison Associates LLC (the "Subadviser or Jennison"), the Fund may invest part
or all of its portfolio in equity securities of U.S. issuers; notes and bonds
which at the time of their purchase are rated investment grade, i.e., BBB or
higher by Standard & Poor's Rating Group ("S&P") or Baa or
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"); and cash and cash
equivalents such as obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial
paper and short-term obligations of U.S. or foreign issuers. The Fund may, for
temporary defensive or hedging purposes, purchase options on foreign currencies,
enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and contracts for the
future delivery of foreign currencies, and purchase options on such futures
contracts. The Fund's currency management techniques associated with investments
in foreign securities involve more risk than if the Fund were invested in
dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis and may lend securities. The Fund may
write and purchase options and purchase and sell futures contracts and related
options to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in the stock market or to
hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned by it or an increase in
the price of securities which it plans to purchase.
 
  For a description of the risks of investing in foreign securities and
additional information about the securities in which the Fund invests and the
management techniques, including currency management techniques, the Subadviser
employs to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques."
 
   
  HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND. Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund seeks
long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in equity and equity-related
securities of companies with market capitalizations of at least $1 billion and
above-average prospects for growth. The Fund invests substantially all, but at
least 65%, of its total assets in equity and equity related securities of
companies which typically have equity market capitalizations of at least $1
billion. When the Fund's Subadviser, Jennison Associates LLC (the "Subadviser or
Jennison"), believes that investment in foreign securities offers opportunities
for capital growth, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in
securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located or doing business in
emerging markets.
    
 
  Securities of companies exhibiting superior sales growth, high levels of unit
growth, high returns on equity and assets, and strong balance sheets, will be
considered for investment by the Fund. Companies must currently demonstrate
superior absolute and relative earnings growth and be attractively valued to
warrant inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Jennison will devote special
attention to companies which are likely to benefit from unique marketing
competence, strong research and development resulting in a superior new product
flow and excellent management capability. Companies must actually achieve or
exceed expected earnings results to be purchased or retained by the Fund. No
effort is made by the Fund to time the market. For temporary defensive purposes,
as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund may invest all or a portion of its
assets in cash and cash equivalents, such as obligations of domestic and foreign
banks, and commercial paper and short-term obligations.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, engage in securities lending and short
sales. The Fund may write and purchase options and purchase and sell futures
contracts and related options to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in
the stock market, or to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned
by it or an increase in the price of securities which it plans to purchase. The
Fund may also invest in foreign securities in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, IDRs
and other similar securities representing ownership securities of foreign
issuers.
 
  For additional information about the securities in which the Fund invests and
the management techniques, including currency management techniques, the
Subadviser employs to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and
Investment Techniques."
 
  HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II. Harbor International Fund II seeks long-term
total return principally from growth of capital by investing primarily in equity
and equity-related securities of foreign issuers. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in common stocks and
comparable equity securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may also invest in
warrants. The Fund will invest in a minimum of three countries. The Fund's
Subadviser, Summit International Investments, Inc. (the "Subadviser" or
"Summit"), currently intends to invest primarily in securities of issuers
located in Europe, the Pacific Basin and emerging industrialized countries which
it believes present favorable investment opportunities and whose economies and
political regimes afford adequate protection for foreign shareholders. The Fund
may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed income securities of foreign
corporate issuers, supranational organizations and foreign governments and their
political subdivisions, authorities, agencies and instrumentalities. The Fund
may also invest in foreign securities in the form of
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, IDRs or other similar securities representing ownership of
securities of foreign issuers.
 
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund
may invest part or all of its portfolio in equity securities of U.S. issuers;
notes and bonds which at the time of their purchase are rated BBB or higher by
S&P or Baa or higher by Moody's; and cash and cash equivalents such as
obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial paper and short-term
obligations of U.S. or foreign issuers. The Fund may, for temporary defensive or
hedging purposes, purchase options on foreign currencies, enter into forward
foreign currency exchange contracts and contracts for the future delivery of
foreign currencies, and purchase options on such futures contracts. The Fund's
currency management techniques associated with investments in foreign securities
involve more risk than if the Fund were invested in dollar-denominated
securities of U.S. issuers.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis and may lend securities. The Fund may
write and purchase options and purchase and sell futures contracts and related
options to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in the stock market or to
hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned by it or an increase in
the price of securities which it plans to purchase.
 
  For a description of the risks of investing in foreign securities and
additional information about the securities in which the Fund invests and the
management techniques, including currency management techniques, the Subadviser
employs to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques." Although the investment objective and policies of Harbor
International Fund II are similar to those of Harbor International Fund, each
Fund's portfolio of securities is not expected to be substantially identical
because each Fund has a different portfolio manager. Over time, each portfolio
manager's investment decisions on behalf of the respective Fund will result in
different securities being selected for the Funds. Investors should not expect
that the performance of International Fund II's portfolio will be identical to
that of International Fund.
 
  HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND. Sales of shares of this Fund to new investors have
been suspended. See "Shareholder and Account Policies." Harbor International
Fund seeks long-term total return principally from growth of capital by
investing primarily in equity and equity-related securities of foreign issuers.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in
common stocks and comparable equity securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may
also invest in warrants. The Fund will invest in a minimum of three countries.
The Fund's Subadviser, Northern Cross Investments Limited (the "Subadviser" or
"Northern Cross"), currently intends to invest primarily in equity securities of
issuers located in Europe, the Pacific Basin and the more highly developed
emerging industrialized countries, which it believes present favorable
investment opportunities. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities in the
form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, IDRs or other similar securities representing
ownership of securities of foreign issuers.
 
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund
may invest part or all of its portfolio in equity securities of U.S. issuers;
notes and bonds which at the time of their purchase are rated BBB or higher by
S&P or Baa or higher by Moody's; and cash and cash equivalents such as
obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial paper and short-term
obligations of U.S. or foreign issuers. The Fund may, for temporary defensive or
hedging purposes, purchase options on foreign currencies, enter into forward
foreign currency exchange contracts and contracts for the future delivery of
foreign currencies, and purchase options on such futures contracts. The Fund's
currency management techniques associated with investments in foreign securities
involve more risk than if the Fund were invested in dollar-denominated
securities of U.S. issuers.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis and may lend securities. The Fund may
write and purchase options and purchase and sell futures contracts and related
options to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in the stock market or to
hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned by it or an increase in
the price of securities which it plans to purchase.
 
  For a description of the risks of investing in foreign securities and
additional information about the securities in which the Fund invests and the
management techniques, including currency management techniques, the Subadviser
employs to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques."
 
  HARBOR VALUE FUND. Harbor Value Fund seeks long-term total return with an
emphasis on current income through investment in dividend-paying common stocks.
The Fund will invest in a broadly diversified portfolio of dividend-paying
common stocks that are listed on a
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market. However,
the Subadvisers at their discretion may also invest up to 15% of their total
assets in non-dividend paying stocks.
 
  Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund is invested in common
stocks with the characteristics described below. The balance of the Fund's
assets may be invested in other equity securities or U.S. Government securities,
or may be held in cash or cash equivalents. Responsibility for investing the
Fund's portfolio is divided between two Subadvisers. DePrince, Race & Zollo,
Inc. (DRZ) manages 75% of the assets of the Fund, and Richards & Tierney, Inc.
(R&T) manages the remaining 25% of the Fund's assets.
 
  The Fund pursues its objective with respect to the 75% of its assets managed
by DRZ by investing in stocks with an above-average current yield, which are
undervalued compared to their history relative to the market and which have
improving fundamentals. Stock selection is the key factor in DRZ's methodology.
Before buying or selling a stock, the portfolio manager analyzes current yield,
relative valuation and fundamentals. Relative valuation analysis means that the
portfolio manager reviews twenty years of yield, price/earnings, price/book, and
price/cash flow relative to the S&P 500. Fundamental analysis means that the
portfolio manager seeks to identify stocks with improving conditions. The
disciplined execution of this methodology results in an actively managed
portfolio. The portfolio has a yield strategy greater than or equal to 1.5 times
the S&P 500 yield.
 
  The Fund pursues its objective with respect to the 25% of its assets managed
by R&T, by following investment policies emphasizing common stocks that
complement stocks selected for that portion of the portfolio managed by DRZ.
Using quantitative techniques, R&T is able to construct a broadly diversified
list of stock holdings whose presence in the portfolio does not negate the
active management by DRZ. This provides the Fund with broader exposure in the
so-called value (i.e., lower volatility) area of the market while preserving
DRZ's value adding active management capability.
 
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by each Subadviser, the Fund
may invest all or a portion of its assets in cash and cash equivalents, such as
obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial paper and short-term
obligations.
 
  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, engage in securities lending and short
sales. The Fund may write and purchase options and purchase and sell futures
contracts and related options to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in
the stock market or to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned
by it or an increase in the price of securities which it plans to purchase. The
Fund may also invest in foreign securities in the form of ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, IDRs
and other similar securities representing ownership of securities of foreign
issuers.
 
  For additional information about the securities in which the Fund invests and
the management techniques the Subadvisers employ to manage the Fund. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
  HARBOR BOND FUND. Harbor Bond Fund seeks total return by investing in an
actively managed portfolio of fixed-income securities of corporate and
governmental issuers located in the U.S. and foreign countries, including
emerging markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 65%
of its total assets in bonds, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities with maturities of at least
five years; obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign government, or any of
its political subdivisions, authorities, agencies or instrumentalities or by
supra-national organizations (such as the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development); Brady bonds; obligations of domestic or foreign corporations
and other entities (rated Baa or better by Moody's or BBB or better by S&P or,
if unrated, determined by Pacific Investment Management Company ("PIMCO" or the
"Subadviser") to be of comparable quality); and mortgage-related and other
asset-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest
include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple class pass-through
certificates, real estate mortgage investment conduit pass-through certificates,
collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped mortgage backed securities,
such as interest only and principal only securities. The Fund's investments will
be concentrated in areas of the bond market (based on quality, sector, coupon or
maturity) that PIMCO believes are relatively undervalued. In addition, the Fund
may invest in obligations of domestic and foreign commercial banks and bank
holding companies (such as commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates
of deposit and time deposits).
 
  Under normal market conditions, at least 60% of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in securities of U.S. issuers and at least 80% of the Fund's total
assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund's net exposure after giving
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
effect to currency transactions and positions, will be denominated in U.S.
dollars. The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the
securities of issuers located in a single country other than the United States.
 
  The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its assets in corporate debt securities
that are not investment grade but are rated B or higher by Moody's or S&P,
although the weighted average quality of all fixed-income securities held by the
Fund will be equivalent to securities rated A or higher by Moody's and S&P.
 
  For temporary defensive purposes, as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund
may invest all or a portion of its assets in cash and cash equivalents, such as
obligations of domestic and foreign banks, and commercial paper and short-term
obligations of U.S. or foreign issuers.
 
  The obligations in which the Fund may invest may have fixed, variable or
floating interest rates. Depending upon the level of interest rates, the average
maturity of the Fund will vary between 8 and 15 years. Although long-term
securities generally produce higher income than short-term securities, long-term
securities are more susceptible to market fluctuations resulting from changes in
interest rates. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested
at higher yields can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise,
the value of a portfolio invested at lower yields can be expected to decline.
 
  In selecting securities and currencies for Harbor Bond Fund's portfolio, PIMCO
utilizes economic forecasting, interest rate expectations, credit and call risk
analysis and other security and currency selection techniques. The proportion of
the Fund's assets invested in securities with particular characteristics (such
as maturity, type, and coupon rate) may vary based on PIMCO's outlook for the
economy, the financial markets, and other factors.
 
  Harbor Bond Fund's portfolio will normally consist of securities of varying
maturities with a portfolio duration equal to that of the market plus or minus
1.5 years. Except in unusual and temporary circumstances, the duration of the
Fund's portfolio will vary within the three- to six-year timeframe based on
PIMCO's forecast for interest rates, but under current conditions is expected to
stay within one year of what PIMCO believes to be the average duration of the
bond market as a whole. PIMCO bases its analysis of the average duration of the
bond market on bond market indices which it believes to be representative, and
other factors. The Fund may use various techniques to shorten or lengthen the
duration of its portfolio, including the acquisition of obligations at a premium
or discount, transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps combined with
options, options on futures and mortgage and interest rate swaps and interest
rate floors and caps.
 
  Duration represents the weighted average maturity of expected cash flows on a
debt obligation, discounted to present value. It was developed as a more precise
alternative to the concept of "term to maturity" as a measure of "volatility" or
"risk" associated with changes in interest rates. Duration incorporates a
security's yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and call features
into one measure. Duration is computed by determining the expected period of
time until each scheduled payment or unscheduled prepayment of principal or
interest and averaging such time periods on a weighted basis in accordance with
the present value of such expected payments. A reduction in the coupon interest
rate would generally increase duration; an increase in the coupon interest rate
would generally reduce duration. Duration is one of the fundamental tools used
by PIMCO in security selection.
 
   
  Harbor Bond Fund may also employ certain active currency and interest rate
management techniques. The techniques may be used both to hedge the foreign
currency and interest rate risks associated with the Fund's portfolio
securities, and, in the case of certain techniques, to seek to increase the
total return of the Fund. Such active management techniques include the use of
derivative instruments such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
options on securities and foreign currencies, futures contracts, options on
futures contracts and currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and options on
such swaps and interest rate floors and caps and, at times, combinations of
these techniques. In addition, the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, currency options and currency swaps for non-hedging purposes
when PIMCO anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in
value, even though securities denominated in that currency do not present
attractive investment opportunities or are not included in the Fund's portfolio.
    
 
  In addition, the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, purchase and sell
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, including TBA ("to be
announced") purchase and sale commitments, engage in securities lending and
short selling and enter into reverse repurchase agreements. For additional
information about the securities in which the Fund invests and the management
techniques and the
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
derivative instruments the Subadviser employs to manage the Fund. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
  HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND. Harbor Short Duration Fund seeks total return that
is consistent with preservation of capital by investing in an actively managed
portfolio of short-term, high grade fixed-income securities of corporate and
governmental issuers located in the U.S. and foreign countries. The Fund is
expected to have less volatility of return than is typically associated with
broad bond market indices such as the Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate
Index.
 
  The Fund invests principally in high grade bonds (i.e., rated A or higher by
S&P or Moody's or, if unrated, determined by the Subadviser to be of comparable
quality), including: (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) obligations issued or
guaranteed by a foreign government, or any of its political subdivisions,
authorities, agencies or instrumentalities or by supra-national organizations
(such as the World Bank); (iii) obligations of domestic and foreign commercial
banks and bank holding companies (such as commercial paper (rated A-1 by S&P or
P-1 by Moody's or higher or, if unrated, determined by the Subadviser to be of
comparable quality), bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit and time
deposits); and (iv) obligations of domestic and foreign corporations and other
entities (including mortgage-and other asset-backed securities). The obligations
in which the Fund may invest may have fixed, variable or floating interest
rates.
 
  Under normal market conditions, at least 60% of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in securities of U.S. issuers and at least 80% of the Fund's total
assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund's net exposure after giving effect to
currency transactions and positions, will be denominated in U.S. dollars. The
Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of
issuers located in a single country other than the United States. For temporary
defensive purposes, as determined by the Subadviser, the Fund may invest all or
a portion of its assets in cash.
 
  In selecting securities for the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's Subadviser,
Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. ("Fischer" or the "Subadviser") considers
such factors as the security's maturity, duration, sector and credit quality
rating as well as the security's yield and prospects for capital appreciation.
 
  Duration represents the weighted average maturity of expected cash flows on a
debt obligation, discounted to present value. Maturity, in contrast, measures
only the time until final payment is due on a bond or other debt security,
taking no account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time. In
computing the portfolio's duration, the Fund will have to estimate the duration
of debt obligations that are subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer.
The dollar-weighted average duration of the Fund's portfolio is expected to
approximate one year and will not vary from one year by more than two years,
that is, from an average of three years to minus one year (taking into account
the negative duration of all short positions). For a portfolio at one year,
average maturity approximates average duration. The Fund may use various
techniques to shorten or lengthen the dollar-weighted average duration of its
portfolio, including the acquisition of obligations at a premium or discount,
transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures and mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors and caps. Subject to the policy of
maintaining a dollar-weighted average portfolio duration not exceeding three
years, the Fund may invest in individual obligations of any duration.
 
  The assets of the Fund are actively managed and are bought and sold in
response to changes in value resulting from new information affecting the supply
of and demand for securities in the Fund's portfolio. Active management of the
Fund entails frequent decisions concerning the changing relative attractiveness
of various investments. The Fund may employ certain active currency and interest
rate management techniques. The techniques may be used both to hedge the foreign
currency and interest rate risks associated with the Fund's portfolio
securities, and, in the case of certain techniques, to seek to increase the
total return of the Fund. Such active management techniques include derivative
instruments such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options on
securities and foreign currencies, futures contracts, options on futures
contracts and currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps, swaps combined with
options, interest rate floors and caps and, at times, combinations of these
techniques. In addition, the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, currency options and currency swaps for non-hedging purposes
when Fischer anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate
in value. The Fund may enter into these transactions even though securities
denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities
or are not included in the Fund's portfolio.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
   
In addition, the Fund may acquire securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis, including TBA ("to be announced") purchase and sale
commitments, enter into repurchase agreements and engage in portfolio securities
lending. The Fund engages in short selling of securities. The Fund enters into
reverse repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers. The Fund will
maintain continuous asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to borrowing
through reverse repurchase agreements. The percentage of the Fund's total assets
that may be leveraged because of reverse repurchase agreements will vary during
the fiscal year depending on the portfolio management strategies of the
Subadviser. For a discussion of the special risks associated with the Fund's use
of (i) reverse repurchase agreements and the resultant leveraging effect of such
agreements on the Fund's portfolio and (ii) short sales. See "Description of
Securities and Investment Techniques."
    
 
  For additional information about the securities in which the Fund may invest
and the management techniques and the derivative instruments the Subadviser
employs to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques."
 
  HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND. Harbor Money Market Fund seeks current income,
consistent with its policy of preservation of capital and liquidity, by
investing in money market instruments of domestic and foreign issuers. Under
normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets are invested in:
 
       (A) short-term (maturing in thirteen months or less) U.S. Government
     securities;
 
       (B) treasury receipts; treasury investment growth receipts ("TIGR's");
     certificates of accrual on treasury receipts ("CATS"); and separately
     traded principal and interest components of securities issued or guaranteed
     by the U.S. Treasury traded under the Separate Trading of Registered
     Interest and Principal of Securities program ("STRIPS");
 
       (C) U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued by major U.S. and foreign
     banks (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) that
     meet the $100,000,000 standard set forth under "Cash Equivalents" and other
     obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers denominated in U.S. dollars and in
     securities of foreign branches of U.S. banks and major foreign banks, such
     as negotiable certificates of deposit (Eurodollars), and including variable
     rate master demand notes and floating rate notes, provided they are (i)
     rated in the highest rating category of at least two nationally recognized
     statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only rated by one NRSRO,
     that NRSRO, or (ii) issued or guaranteed by a company which at the date of
     investment has outstanding a comparable debt issue rated in one of the two
     highest rating categories by at least two NRSROs or, if only one NRSRO has
     rated the security, that NRSRO;
 
       (D) commercial paper (including variable and floating rate commercial
     paper with interest rates which adjust in accordance with changes in
     interest rate indices) which is rated in the highest rating category of at
     least two NRSROs or, if not rated, is issued by a company having
     outstanding comparable debt rated in one of the two highest rating
     categories by at least two NRSROs or, if only one NRSRO has rated the
     security, that NRSRO;
 
       (E) short-term (maturing in thirteen months or less) corporate
     obligations which are rated in one of the two highest rating categories by
     at least two NRSROs or, if only one NRSRO has rated the security, that
     NRSRO;
 
       (F) repurchase agreements; and
 
       (G) asset-backed securities (including, but not limited to, interests in
     pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment purchase obligations and
     credit card receivables) which are determined to be of high quality by
     Fischer, the Fund's Subadviser, pursuant to criteria approved by the Board
     of Trustees.
 
  The Fund may invest up to 20% of the value of its net assets in debt
instruments not specifically described in (A) through (G) above, including
unrated instruments, provided that such instruments are deemed by Harbor Fund's
Trustees to be of comparable high quality and liquidity and that they meet the
Fund's maturity requirements.
 
   
  The Fund may invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of domestic banks and bank holding companies, including certificates
of deposit and bankers' acceptances. The Fund, however, may not invest more than
5% of its total assets (taken at amortized cost) in securities issued by or
subject to puts from any one issuer (except U.S. Government securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities), except that a single
investment may exceed such limit if such security (i) is rated in the
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
highest rating category by the requisite number of NRSROs or, if unrated, is
determined to be of comparable quality and (ii) is held for not more than three
business days. In addition, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total
assets (taken at amortized cost) in securities of issuers not in the highest
rating category as determined by the requisite number of NRSROs or, if unrated,
of comparable quality, with investment in any one such issuer being limited to
no more than 1% of such total assets or $1 million, whichever is greater. For a
description of each NRSROs' rating categories, see Appendix A to the Statement
of Additional Information. For more information about the foregoing instruments.
See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
  Fischer may employ a number of professional money management techniques in
anticipation of or in response to shifts in market conditions and fiscal or
monetary policy. These techniques include varying the composition of the Fund's
investments and the average maturity of the Fund's portfolio based upon an
assessment of the relative values of various money market instruments and future
interest rate patterns. As a result, the Fund may engage in more active
portfolio trading and experience more volatility in its distributions than many
other money market funds.
 
  In addition, the Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis, and engage in securities lending and short sales. The
collateral securing loans of portfolio securities or short sales will consist
only of cash, cash equivalents, or U.S. Government securities that satisfy the
quality and maturity standards applicable to the Fund's investments under the
rule allowing amortized cost valuation.
 
  The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. There
is no assurance that the Fund will be able to achieve this objective. However,
to facilitate this, the Fund's portfolio securities are valued by the amortized
cost method as permitted by a rule of the SEC. The rule requires that all
portfolio securities have at the time of purchase a maximum remaining maturity
of thirteen months (as defined in the rule) and that they meet certain quality
standards. The Fund must also maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of 90 days or less. For additional information about the securities in
which the Fund may invest and the management techniques the Subadviser employs
to manage the Fund. See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques."
 
                            YOUR HARBOR FUND ACCOUNT
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES
 
  Shares of each Fund are available for purchase from Harbor Fund's distributor,
HCA Securities, Inc. (the "Distributor"). The Distributor has appointed Harbor
Transfer, Inc. (the "Shareholder Servicing Agent") as its agent to accept
payment for all shares of Harbor Fund sold. The minimum initial investment in
each Fund is $2,000, with minimum subsequent investments of $500 per Fund. If
your account is an IRA, SEP-IRA, UGMA, UTMA profit sharing, savings or pension
plan, or if you are beginning a Systematic Investment Plan, the minimums are
lowered to $500 per Fund for initial and $100 per Fund for subsequent
investments. ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO HARBOR FUND, AND MAY BE MAILED
TO:
                                  HARBOR FUND,
                           C/O HARBOR TRANSFER, INC.,
                                P.O. Box 10048,
                             Toledo, OH 43699-0048.
 
When making a subsequent investment, you should include the detachable stub from
your confirmation statement to provide additional information.
 
   
  Any order by mail or by wire to purchase shares of a Fund must be received in
good order before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
usually 4 p.m., Eastern time. Investments received after that time will be
deemed received on the next business day.
    
 
  IF YOU ARE NEW TO HARBOR FUND, please complete and sign the appropriate new
account application and mail it along with your check. If you did not receive
the proper application form with this Prospectus, please contact the Fund at
800-422-1050. All orders to purchase shares are subject to acceptance or
rejection by Harbor Fund, Harbor Transfer, Inc. or HCA Securities, Inc. If you
are establishing an account with an investment of $25,000 or more, you may also
open your account by wire. Please contact the Fund for specific instructions.
 
  Shares of each Fund will be purchased at the net asset value next determined
after receipt of your request in good order. Harbor Fund does not issue share
certificates. The sale of shares of any Fund will be suspended during any period
when the determination
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
of its net asset value is suspended pursuant to rules or
orders of the SEC.
 
  Retirement and institutional investing involves its own investment procedures.
If you are investing in an IRA, SEP-IRA, or if you are an institutional client,
please contact the Fund at 800-422-1050 for the appropriate application and
information.
 
  IF YOU BUY SHARES BY CHECK, YOU MAY NOT EXCHANGE THOSE SHARES FOR 10 CALENDAR
DAYS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CHECK HAS CLEARED. You may redeem those shares;
however, the payment of the proceeds of that redemption may be delayed for up to
the same 10 days. To avoid the 10-day holding period for investments in any
Fund, you can wire federal funds to Harbor Fund from your bank, which may charge
you a fee. "Wiring federal funds" means that your bank sends money to Harbor
Fund's bank through the Federal Reserve System. Wire instructions are referenced
below, for your convenience. You may also wish to consider buying shares by U.S.
Postal money order, U.S. Treasury check, or Federal Reserve check to avoid the
10-day holding period.
 
  Harbor Fund will not accept any third party checks. MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO
HARBOR FUND. Checks must be drawn on U.S. banks, and are accepted subject to
collection at full value. If your check, wire or Automatic Clearing House
("ACH") transaction does not clear, your purchase will be cancelled. There will
be a $15 fee for any check, wire or ACH transaction rejected for any reason.
Harbor Fund reserves the right to deduct the fee from any existing shareholder
account, and you may be prohibited from future investment in Harbor Fund.
 
  You may purchase shares of a Fund at net asset value through a broker, who may
charge you a transaction fee for this service, no part of which is paid by or
received by the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor or the Shareholder Servicing
Agent. The Funds may allow certain brokers, dealers or institutional investors
with whom the Distributor and the Funds have entered into agreements to purchase
shares of the Funds for next day settlement.
 
PURCHASES BY WIRE
 
   
  Any purchases by bank wire must use the following instructions and must arrive
in good order at the Fund before the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (normally 4 p.m. Eastern time). Wires received after the close of
the New York Stock Exchange or on a bank holiday will be purchased the next
business day. If wires are received in a format other than that referenced, they
may be rejected by State Street Bank and Trust Company.
    
 
RECEIVING BANK INFORMATION:
 
- - State Street Bank and Trust Company
 
- - Boston, MA
 
- - ABA Routing #0110 0002 8
 
FOR DEPOSIT TO:
 
   
- - Harbor Fund
    
  (Please name the fund you wish to invest in)
 
- - Account (DDA) #3018-065-7
 
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO:
 
   
- - Name of Fund
    
 
- - Your name as registered on your account
 
   
- - Your address
    
 
   
- - Your Harbor Fund account number (If more than one account, account numbers and
  amount to be invested in each account must be specified.)
    
 
   
  Harbor Fund requires all purchases of $100,000 and over to call customer
service at 1-800-422-1050 with the account owners name, account number, dollar
amount of wire, as well as a contact person and phone number.
    
 
  Harbor Fund is not responsible of any delays in the wire transfer system nor
is it responsible for inadequate or incorrect wire instructions.
 
SHARE PRICE
 
   
  Each Fund's net asset value (NAV) per share, also known as share price, is
calculated after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4 p.m., Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open.
See "Shareholder and Account Policies -- Transactions Details," for a discussion
of how the Fund computes its NAV. Shares of each Fund are purchased or sold at
the share price next determined after your request is received in good order.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
HOW TO SELL SHARES
 
   
  You may take money out of your account(s) at any time by selling (redeeming)
some or all of your shares. Your shares will be sold at the share price next
determined after your order is received in good order by Harbor Fund and the
Shareholder Servicing Agent. Any order to redeem shares of a Fund must be
received before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
normally 4 p.m. Eastern time. Redemption requests received after that time will
be deemed received on the next business day. Redemptions are taxable
transactions and you may realize a gain or loss, and certain shareholders may be
subject to withholding of federal income tax when they redeem shares.
    
 
   
  YOU MAY SELL SHARES IN A NON-IRA ACCOUNT by mail or by phone, if the Telephone
Redemption privilege is requested on your application form. Telephone
redemptions are limited to $100,000 per day.
    
 
  TO SELL SHARES IN AN IRA OR SEP-IRA ACCOUNT, your request must be made in
writing, including tax withholding information. If withholding information is
not specified, Harbor Fund will withhold 10%. Please call 800-422-1050 to ask
for an IRA Distribution form or for additional instructions.
 
  IF YOU ARE MAILING A LETTER TO REDEEM SHARES, please include in the letter:
 
  - your name;
 
  - the Fund from which you are redeeming;
 
  - your Harbor Fund account number;
 
  - the dollar amount or number of shares, including fractional shares, to be
    redeemed; and
 
  - any other applicable requirements as listed in the table relating to selling
    shares on the next page.
 
  ALL REDEMPTION REQUESTS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
 
                                  HARBOR FUND
                           C/O HARBOR TRANSFER, INC.
                                 P.O. Box 10048
                            Toledo, Ohio 43699-0048
 
Proceeds of the redemption (reduced by the amount of any tax withholding, if
applicable) will be mailed to the address of record, or wired the next day to a
specified bank account, if complete and accurate instructions are included on
your application. Normally, redemption proceeds that are being mailed are sent
on the next business day. Harbor Fund reserves the right to suspend redemptions
or postpone payments for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal
securities laws. Unless otherwise instructed, Harbor Fund will send a redemption
check to the address of record. Neither Harbor Fund nor Harbor Transfer has any
obligation, under any circumstances, to pay interest on redemption proceeds.
 
  THE MINIMUM BALANCE FOR EACH FUND TO KEEP IT OPEN is $1,000 ($500 for IRA,
SEP-IRA, UGMA, UTMA or profit sharing, savings or pension plans).
 
  CERTAIN REQUESTS MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE. Signature guarantees are
designed to protect you and Harbor Fund from fraud. Your written request to sell
shares must include a signature guarantee if any of the following situations
apply:
 
   
  - you are redeeming more than $100,000 worth of shares;
    
 
  - your address of record has been changed within the last 30 days;
 
  - you are requesting that the redemption check be mailed to an address other
    than the address of record;
 
  - you are requesting that the redemption proceeds be wired to a banking
    institution other than the banking institution of record;
 
  - you are requesting that the redemption check be made payable to someone
    other than the registered shareholder; or
 
  - the redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different
    registration.
 
  You may obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker-dealer, credit union
(if authorized under state law), any securities exchange or association,
clearing agency, savings association or trust company. A NOTARY PUBLIC CANNOT
PROVIDE A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELLING SHARES                   ACCOUNT TYPE                              SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>  <C>                                      <C>  <C>
BY MAIL               Individual, Joint Tenant, Sole           -    The letter of instruction must be
                      Proprietorship, UGMA/UTMA                     signed by all authorized persons
                                                                    required to sign for transactions,
                                                                    exactly as their names appear on the
                                                                    account.
                      IRA or SEP-IRA                           -    Please call 800-422-1050 to request a
                                                                    retirement distribution form or for
                                                                    additional instructions.
                      Trust                                    -    The trustee must sign the letter
                                                                    indicating capacity to act.
                      Business or Organization                 -    At least one person authorized by
                                                                    corporate resolution to act on the
                                                                    account must sign the letter.
                                                               -    Include a corporate resolution with
                                                                    corporate seal or a signature
                                                                    guarantee.
                      Executor, Administrator,                 -    Please call 800-422-1050 for
                      Conservator, Guardian                         instructions.
BY PHONE              All account types except retirement      -    Have the Fund name, account number and
800-422-1050                                                        tax identification number available
                                                                    when you call. You may redeem up to
                                                                    $100,000 by telephone per day.
                      All account types                        -    You may exchange to other Funds if both
                                                                    accounts are registered with the same
                                                                    name(s), address and taxpayer ID
                                                                    number.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
INVESTOR SERVICES
 
  Harbor Fund provides you with a variety of services to help you manage your
account and pursue your financial goals. Customer Service Representatives are
available during normal business hours to provide information and answer
questions you may have or you may call the Harbor Navigator at 800-422-1050
(anytime day or night) to access information on your account.
 
  Harbor Fund offers convenient services that let you systematically purchase
into your account or exchange between Harbor Funds. By using the Systematic
Investment or Exchange Plans, you are purchasing shares of a Fund on a scheduled
basis without regard to fluctuations in net asset value per share. Over time,
your average cost per share may be lower than if you tried to time the market.
While regular investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect
you against loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest
for retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial
goals.
 
  THE SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN allows you to make regular monthly or quarterly
investments through an automatic withdrawal from your bank account. The minimum
for each systematic investment is $100 per Fund. You must have invested the
minimum of $500 in each Fund before you may begin making systematic investments.
You may use your Harbor Fund account application to add this feature, or if you
already have an account established, please contact the Fund at 800-422-1050 for
the appropriate form.
 
  THE SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN allows you to automatically exchange between
Harbor Funds either monthly or quarterly with a minimum of $100. Exchanges may
only be made out of a Fund having a minimum balance of $5,000 to a Fund having a
minimum balance of $500. You must remain in the Plan for a minimum of six
exchanges.
 
  THE DIVIDEND EXCHANGE PROGRAM allows you to direct that dividends and capital
gain distributions from one Harbor Fund, net of any required withholding, be
invested in shares of another existing Harbor Fund. Distribution dollar amounts
are calculated based on the record date for each Fund. A Fund's distributions
are paid on the dividend payment date, which is later than the ex-dividend date.
Shares of the other Harbor Fund purchased with distributions from the existing
Harbor Fund are purchased and credited to your account on the dividend payment
date.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
  HARBOR FUND ALSO OFFERS CONVENIENT TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES.
 
  THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE allows you to exchange your shares of a Fund
for shares of any other Harbor Fund by telephone. You should consider the
differences in investment objectives and expenses of a Fund as described in its
prospectus before making an exchange (a redemption from one fund and purchase to
another). Exchanges are taxable transactions which may cause you to realize a
gain or loss, and certain shareholders may be subject to withholding of federal
income tax upon an exchange. For complete policies and restrictions governing
exchanges, including circumstances under which a shareholder's exchange
privilege may be suspended or revoked. See "Shareholder and Account
Policies -- Exchange Restrictions."
 
  THE TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE allows you to sell shares of up to $50,000
by telephone, with proceeds either mailed to the address of record or wired the
next day to a bank account, if you have provided proper wire instructions on
your application. Please see the previous section on "How to Sell Shares" for
more information on redeeming shares from your account.
 
  HARBOR FUND OFFERS A SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN that will allow you to make
monthly or quarterly redemptions from any Fund that has a minimum balance of
$10,000. You may direct Harbor Fund to withdraw a specific number of shares or
dollars (minimum of $100). If these payments are to be made payable or to be
mailed to someone other than the registered owner(s) of the account, a signature
guarantee is required on the Systematic Withdrawal Plan application. Harbor Fund
reserves the right to institute a charge of $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days'
notice, for this service. Harbor Fund may amend or terminate the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan without notice to any participating shareholders.
 
  Withdrawal payments should not be considered dividends, yield or income. If
systematic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and capital gain
distributions, your original investment will be reduced and ultimately
exhausted. Withdrawals are redemptions of shares and therefore are taxable
transactions, which may cause you to realize gains or losses. You should consult
your tax adviser.
 
  HARBOR FUND OFFERS A CHECKWRITING PRIVILEGE FOR SHAREHOLDERS IN THE MONEY
MARKET FUND ONLY. Shareholders may redeem shares of Harbor Money Market Fund by
writing checks in amounts of $500 or more. The check is presented to State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") for payment through normal banking
channels. These checks may be used in the same manner as any other checks
payable through the Bank except that they may not be certified and are payable
upon review. Your investment in Harbor Money Market Fund is not covered by
insurance, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.
 
  There is no charge to you for redemptions by use of checks. If you elect this
option, you are subject to the procedures, rules and regulations established by
the Bank with respect to clearance and collection of checks. The Bank will not
honor checks which are in amounts exceeding the available value of your account
at the time the check is presented for payment and will not honor checks drawn
against uncollected funds. Since interest in the Money Market Fund is accrued
daily, but paid monthly, the total value of the Fund may not be determined in
advance. THEREFORE, YOU CANNOT CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT BY CHECK. This service may be
terminated at any time by Harbor Fund or the Bank upon notice to you. Your
cancelled checks will be returned monthly by the Bank. To add the Checkwriting
feature to your account, please complete the Authorization Form and Signature
Card enclosed with your application. You must have a Harbor Money Market Fund
account established before you can add this feature.
 
  YOU WILL RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF EACH SHARE TRANSACTION MADE TO YOUR ACCOUNT,
as well as a quarterly combined statement. Harbor Fund also distributes reports
of its financial statements semi-annually.
 
  TRANSFER ON DEATH REGISTRATION. Transfer on Death (TOD) registration provides
Harbor Fund investors with the opportunity to indicate on the account
registration that the account ownership will transfer on death directly to one
or more named beneficiaries. TOD registration is ONLY available to individuals
and joint tenants with rights of survivorship. TOD registration is NOT available
for IRA, UGMA/UTMA, or institutional accounts. TOD registration requires that
the name(s) of the beneficiary(ies) be listed on the account registration
followed by "TOD, Subject to STA TOD Rules". The Fund reserves the right to use
the term "Beneficiaries" in an account registration rather than list each named
beneficiary. However, the shareholder MUST provide the name, address, social
security number and birth date of the beneficiary(ies). To add TOD registration
to a new account, complete the requested information on the Harbor Fund New
Account
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
Application. To add TOD registration to an existing account or to change the
beneficiary(ies), you must complete a TOD registration form which is available
by calling 800-422-1050. Adding TOD registration to an existing account or
changing the beneficiary(ies) requires a SIGNATURE GUARANTEE which CANNOT be
provided by a Notary Public.
 
                        SHAREHOLDER AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
 
TRANSACTION DETAILS
 
  HARBOR FUND IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS each day that the New York Stock Exchange is
open for regular trading. The Custodian normally calculates a Fund's net asset
value as of the close of regular trading of the New York Stock Exchange,
normally 4 p.m., Eastern time.
 
  A FUND'S NAV per share is the value of a single share. The NAV is computed by
adding the market value (amortized cost for Harbor Money Market Fund) of the
Fund's investments, cash, and other assets, subtracting its liabilities, and
then dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding. See "How to Buy
Shares -- Share Price," above, for a discussion of when the Fund's NAV is
determined.
 
  WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION, you are certifying that you are not a
minor, the Social Security or other taxpayer identification number that you
provide is your correct number and that you are not subject to 31% backup
withholding of federal income tax for failing to report certain income to the
IRS or that you are a type of recipient that is exempt from backup withholding,
e.g., a corporation. If you are subject to backup withholding, the IRS requires
Harbor Fund to withhold 31% of your distributions and, except in the case of
Harbor Money Market Fund, the proceeds of redemptions (including exchanges).
 
  YOU MAY INITIATE MANY TRANSACTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Procedures designed to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine, including
requiring certain identifying information prior to acting upon instructions,
recording all telephone instructions and sending written confirmation of
telephone instructions, are used by the Shareholder Servicing Agent. To the
extent such procedures are reasonably designed to prevent unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions and are followed neither Harbor Fund, the Distributor
nor the Shareholder Servicing Agent is responsible for any losses from
unauthorized or fraudulent redemptions by telephone; consequently, the investor
will bear the risk of loss. In the event that such procedures are not properly
followed, Harbor Fund, the Distributor or the Shareholder Servicing Agent may be
liable.
 
  IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH HARBOR FUND BY PHONE (for example, during periods
of unusual market activity), consider placing your order by mail. Harbor Fund
and the Shareholder Servicing Agent are not responsible for any misdirected or
lost mail.
 
  EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES for a period of
time. Shares of Harbor International Fund are offered only to shareholders of
the Fund with an existing account and to beneficiaries of certain profit sharing
plans, pension funds or benefit plans and certain other investors purchasing
amounts of at least $1 million. Each Fund also reserves the right to reject any
specific purchase order, including certain purchases by exchange. See "Exchange
Restrictions." Purchase orders may be refused if, in Harbor Fund's opinion, they
are of a size that would disrupt management of a Fund.
 
  Harbor Fund reserves the right to close your account if it has a current net
asset value of less than $1,000 ($500 in IRA, SEP-IRA, UGMA, UTMA,
Profit-sharing, savings or pension plans) by redeeming all remaining shares in
your account. No such redemption will be effected unless you have been given at
least 60 days' written notice. Harbor Fund reserves the right to redeem shares
in your account as reimbursement for loss to a Fund due to the failure of your
check, wire or ACH transaction to clear.
 
  DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND. Harbor Fund agrees to redeem shares of each Fund solely
in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund
during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Harbor Fund reserves the right
to pay redemptions exceeding $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the
redeeming Fund, either total or partial, by a distribution in kind of securities
(instead of cash) from the applicable Fund. The securities distributed in kind
would be valued for this purpose by the same method as is used to calculate the
Fund's net asset value per share. If you receive a distribution in kind, you
should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities
received in the distribution.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
EXCHANGE RESTRICTIONS
 
  As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of a Fund for
shares of any other Harbor Fund (except Harbor International Fund unless you
have an existing account). However, you should note the following:
 
  - You may only exchange between Funds that are registered in the same name,
    address and taxpayer identification number.
 
  - The minimum amount you may exchange from one Fund into another is the same
    as the guidelines for minimum initial and subsequent investments, and each
    Fund must have a minimum of $1,000 after the exchange.
 
  - An exchange is a redemption of shares from one Fund and a purchase of shares
    in another. Thus, exchanges may have tax consequences for you.
 
  - Harbor Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or
    group if, in Harbor Fund's judgment, a Fund would be unable to invest the
    money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies,
    or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
 
  - Your exchanges may be restricted or refused if a Fund receives or
    anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions of the Fund's
    assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides with a "market
    timing" strategy may be disruptive to a Fund.
 
  - Although Harbor Fund will attempt to give you prior notice whenever it is
    reasonably able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time.
    Harbor Fund reserves the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege
    upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
                   THE ADVISER, SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND
                          SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
 
  THE ADVISER. Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc., a registered investment adviser
since 1984, is each Fund's investment adviser (Adviser). The Adviser is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Owens-Illinois, Inc. (Owens-Illinois) and is the
investment adviser to separate accounts for the Owens-Illinois Master Retirement
Trust.
 
  Under each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and
Harbor Fund on behalf of each Fund, the Adviser either continually manages the
investment portfolio of a Fund or oversees the management of a Fund by one or
more Subadvisers. Subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees, the
Adviser sets each Fund's overall investment strategies; selects Subadvisers;
when appropriate, recommends to the Board of Trustees the allocation and
reallocation of a Fund's assets among multiple Subadvisers; monitors and
evaluates the performance of Subadvisers; and ensures that the Subadvisers
comply with the respective Fund's investment objectives, policies and
restrictions. Harbor Fund and the Adviser received an order from the SEC
permitting the Adviser, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, to select
Subadvisers to serve as portfolio managers of the Funds or to materially modify
an existing subadvisory agreement without obtaining shareholder approval of a
new or amended subadvisory agreement.
 
  The Adviser administers each Fund's business affairs and, in connection
therewith, furnishes each Fund with office facilities and is responsible for
clerical, recordkeeping and bookkeeping services and for the financial and
accounting records required to be maintained by each Fund, other than those
maintained by the Funds' Custodian and Shareholder Servicing Agent. Each Fund is
entitled to use its present name only so long as the Adviser acts as the Fund's
investment adviser.
 
  For these advisory and administrative services and facilities, each Fund pays
the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of the average daily net assets of
that Fund as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            ANNUAL
                                             RATE
<S>                                         <C>
Harbor Growth Fund                           .75%
Harbor International Growth Fund             .75%
Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund             .60%
Harbor International Fund II                 .75%
Harbor International Fund                    .85%
Harbor Value Fund                            .60%
Harbor Bond Fund                             .70%
Harbor Short Duration Fund                   .40%
Harbor Money Market Fund                     .30%
</TABLE>
 
   
  Each Fund also pays: shareholder service expenses, expenses of issuing reports
to shareholders, its proportionate share of custodian fees, legal fees, auditing
fees, taxes, Trustees' fees, and other expenses of administering the Fund. The
management services provided to each Fund by the Adviser and Subadvisers and the
services provided by the Distributor and Shareholder Servicing Agent to
shareholders, depend on the smooth functioning of their computer systems. Many
computer software systems in use today cannot distinguish the year 2000 from the
year 1900 because of the way dates are encoded and calculated. That failure
could have a negative impact on handling securities trades, pricing and account
services. The Adviser, Subadvisers, Distributor and Shareholder Servicing Agent
have been taking steps that they believe are reasonably designed to address the
Year 2000 Problem with respect to the computer systems that they use and expect
that their systems will be adapted in time for that event.
    
 
  THE SUBADVISERS. Pursuant to separate subadvisory agreements between the
Adviser, Harbor Fund on behalf of the Fund and the respective Subadviser, the
assets of each Fund are managed by one or more Subadvisers consistent with the
Fund's objectives and policies, and subject to the supervision of the Adviser
and the Trustees. The Adviser may from time to time recommend to the Trustees
the engagement of new subadvisers. Each Subadviser manages separate accounts for
the Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust. The Adviser pays quarterly out of
its own resources a fee to each Subadviser equal on an annual basis to a stated
percentage of the Fund's average net assets. For purposes of determining the
applicable fee rate and satisfying the minimum payment requirement, the assets
of the Fund and the payments by the Adviser to the Fund's Subadviser (except
Richards & Tierney) will be combined with the assets and payments of the
accounts of the Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Account that the Subadviser
manages.
 
   
  Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc. is the Subadviser to Harbor Growth Fund.
Emerging Growth is a Delaware corporation registered as an investment adviser
with assets of $168.8 million under management as of December 31, 1997. Emerging
Growth receives an advisory fee from the Adviser equal on an annual basis to
1.00% of the Fund's average actual net assets up to $5 million; 0.75% on the
next $20 million of such assets; and 0.50% on such assets over $25 million. The
Adviser will pay Emerging Growth a fee each year which is not less than $10,000.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
   
  Jennison Associates LLC is Subadviser to Harbor International Growth Fund.
Jennison is a registered investment adviser and a Delaware limited liability
company with $37.8 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 1997
and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
For its services, Jennison receives from the Adviser a subadvisory fee equal on
an annual basis to .50% of the Fund's average net assets managed by Jennison up
to $1.5 billion; .45% on the next $1 billion of such assets; .40% on such assets
in excess of $2.5 billion. The Adviser will pay Jennison a fee each year which
is not less than $125,000.
    
 
  Jennison also serves as Subadviser to Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund.
Jennison receives an advisory fee from the Adviser equal on an annual basis to
 .75% of the Fund's average net assets up to $10 million; .50% on the next $30
million of such assets; .35% on the next $25 million of such assets; .25% on the
next $335 million of such assets; .22% on the next $600 million of such assets;
and .20% on such assets in excess of $1 billion. The Adviser will pay Jennison a
fee each year which is not less than $125,000.
 
   
  Summit International Investments, Inc. is the Subadviser to Harbor
International Fund II. Summit is a registered investment adviser and a
Massachusetts corporation with $162.7 million under management as of December
31, 1997. Summit receives a subadvisory fee from the Adviser equal on an annual
basis to .50% of the Fund's average net assets managed by Summit up to $1.5
billion; .45% on the next $1 billion of such assets; and .40% on such assets in
excess of $2.5 billion. Summit does not provide investment management services
to any other registered investment companies. The Adviser will pay Summit a fee
each year which is not less than $10,000.
    
 
   
  Northern Cross Investments Limited is Subadviser to Harbor International Fund.
Northern Cross is a registered investment adviser and a Bermuda corporation with
$10.0 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 1997. Northern Cross
receives a subadvisory fee from the Adviser equal on an annual basis to .60% of
the Fund's average net assets. Northern Cross has voluntarily agreed to reduce
its subadvisory fee to .55% of the Fund's average net assets over $1.5 billion
and to .50% of the Fund's average net assets over $2.5 billion. The Adviser will
pay Northern Cross a fee each year which is not less than $6,000.
    
 
   
  DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. ("DRZ") is Sub-Adviser to Harbor Value Fund. As
of December 31, 1997, DRZ had $1.9 billion in assets under management. DRZ
receives an advisory fee from the Adviser equal on an annual basis to .65% of
the average actual net assets of the portion of Harbor Value Fund managed by DRZ
up to $10 million; .40% on the next $40 million of such assets; .30% on the next
$50 million of such assets; and .25% on such assets in excess of $100 million.
The Adviser will pay DRZ a fee each year which is not less than $40,000.
    
 
   
  In addition to DRZ, the Adviser has engaged Richards & Tierney, Inc. ("R&T")
as a second subadviser to Harbor Value Fund. R&T is a registered investment
adviser and an Illinois corporation with approximately $107.0 million in assets
under management as of December 31, 1997. R&T does not provide investment
management services to any other registered investment companies. The Board of
Trustees has determined that management of the assets of the Fund's portfolio
will be allocated between the two Subadvisers. Currently, DRZ manages 75% of the
Fund's assets and R&T manages 25% of the Fund's assets. The allocation of assets
between the Subadvisers may be changed at any time by the Trustees.
    
 
  R&T receives an advisory fee equal on an annual basis to .30% of the portion
of Harbor Value Fund's average net assets managed by R&T up to $5 million; .25%
on the next $10 million of such assets; and .20% on such assets in excess of $15
million.
 
   
  Pacific Investment Management Company is Subadviser for Harbor Bond Fund.
PIMCO is a general partnership whose partners are PIMCO Management Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and PIMCO Advisers, G.P. and is a registered investment
adviser, with $199.0 billion in assets ($118.0 billion in fixed-income) under
management as of December 31, 1997. PIMCO is also registered as a commodity
trading adviser with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. PIMCO receives
from the Adviser an advisory fee equal on an annual basis to .50% of the Fund's
average net assets up to $25 million; .375% on the next $25 million of such
assets; and .25% on such assets in excess of $50 million. The Adviser will pay
PIMCO a fee each year which is not less than $100,000.
    
 
   
  Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. is Subadviser to Harbor Short Duration
Fund. Fischer is a registered investment adviser and a New York corporation with
$26.8 billion in assets (all fixed income) under management as of December 31,
1997. Fischer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Charter Atlantic Corporation, a
private holding company owned by senior employees of Fischer. Fischer receives
from the Adviser an advisory fee equal on an annual basis to .20% of Harbor
Short Duration Fund's average net assets up to $100 million and .15% on such
assets in excess of $100 million. The Adviser will pay Fischer a fee each year
which is not less than $200,000.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
  Fischer is subadviser to Harbor Money Market Fund. Fischer receives from the
Adviser an advisory fee equal on an annual basis to .20% of Harbor Money Market
Fund's average net assets up to $100 million and .15% on such assets in excess
of $100 million. The Adviser will pay Fischer a fee each year which is not less
than $200,000.
 
  PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. The persons primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of each Fund are listed below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 YEAR
                          PORTFOLIO             BECAME                        BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
     FUND                  MANAGER              MANAGER                          (PAST 5 YEARS)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                      <C>             <C>
Growth Fund            Peter Welles              1997           President of Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc.
                                                                (since 1993); and General Partner of Emerging
                                                                Growth Partners, L.P. (1992-1996).
International          Howard Moss               1993           Director, Executive Vice-President of Jennison
Growth Fund                                                     (since 1993); and Portfolio Manager, Arnhold and
                                                                S. Bleichroder (1983-1993).
 
                       Blair Boyer               1993           Director, Senior Vice-President of Jennison
                                                                (since 1993); and Portfolio Manager, Arnhold and
                                                                S. Bleichroder (1989-1993).
Capital                Spiros Segalas            1990           President, and Chief Investment Officer (since
Appreciation                                                    1993); and Director and Founding Member of
Fund                                                            Jennison (1969).
International          James LaTorre             1996           President, Summit (since 1996); Vice President,
Fund II                                                         Boston Investor Services, Inc. (1993-1997); and
                                                                Vice President, Boston Overseas Investors, Inc.
                                                                (1992-1993).
International          Hakan Castegren           1987           President, Northern Cross (since 1993); and
Fund                                                            President, Boston Overseas Investors, Inc.
                                                                (1990-1993).
Value Fund             Gregory DePrince          1994           Principal and Partner, DRZ (since April, 1995);
                                                                and Senior Vice President of SunBank
                                                                (1989-1995).
 
                       David Tierney             1993           Managing Partner and Founder, Richards & Tierney
                                                                (since 1984).
Bond Fund              William Gross             1987           Managing Director, PIMCO (Del. G.P.) (since
                                                                1994); and Managing Director, PIMCO (1982-1994).
Short Duration         Stewart Russell           1994           Managing Director (since 1996) and Portfolio
Fund                                                            Manager (1992-1996), Fischer.
Money Market           Stewart Russell           1998           Managing Director (since 1996) and Portfolio
Fund                                                            Manager (1992-1996), Fischer.
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
  THE DISTRIBUTOR AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT. HCA Securities, Inc. acts as
the distributor of each Fund's shares. The Distributor is a Delaware
corporation, a registered broker-dealer and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Adviser.
 
  Harbor Transfer, Inc. acts as the shareholder servicing agent for each Fund.
The Shareholder Servicing Agent is a Delaware corporation, a registered transfer
agent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser.
 
              DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. In accordance with its investment policies, each Fund
may invest in certain derivative instruments which are securities or contracts
that provide for payments based on or "derived" from the performance of an
underlying asset, index or other economic benchmark. Essentially, a derivative
instrument is a financial arrangement or a contract between two parties (and not
a true security like a stock or a bond). Transactions in derivative instruments
can be, but are not necessarily, riskier than investments in conventional
stocks, bonds and money market instruments. A derivative instrument is more
accurately viewed as a way of reallocating risk among different parties or
substituting one type of risk for another. Every investment by a Fund, including
an investment in conventional securities, reflects an implicit prediction about
future changes in the value of that investment. Every Fund investment also
involves a risk that the portfolio manager's expectations will be wrong.
Transactions in derivative instruments often enable a Fund to take investment
positions that more precisely reflect the portfolio manager's expectations
concerning the future performance of the various investments available to the
Fund. Derivative instruments can be a legitimate and often cost-effective method
of accomplishing the same investment goals as could be achieved through other
investments in conventional securities.
 
  Derivative securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, stripped
mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities, structured notes and
floating interest rate securities (described below). Derivative contracts
include options, futures contracts, forward contracts, forward commitment and
when-issued securities transactions, forward foreign currency exchange contracts
and interest rate, mortgage and currency swaps (described below). The principal
risks associated with derivative instruments are:
 
  Market risk: The instrument will decline in value or that an alternative
investment would have appreciated more, but this is no different from the risk
of investing in conventional securities.
 
  Leverage and associated price volatility: Leverage causes increased volatility
in the price and magnifies the impact of adverse market changes, but this risk
may be consistent with the investment objective of even a conservative fund in
order to achieve an average portfolio volatility that is within the expected
range for that type of fund. The SEC has taken the position that the risk of
leverage is not an appropriate risk for a money market fund.
 
  Credit risk: The issuer of the instrument may default on its obligation to pay
interest and principal, but derivatives based on U.S. Government agency mortgage
securities may actually present less credit risk than some conventional
corporate debt securities.
 
  Liquidity and valuation risk: Many derivative instruments are traded in
institutional markets rather than on an exchange. Nevertheless many derivative
instruments are actively traded and can be priced with as much accuracy as
conventional securities. Derivative instruments that are custom designed to meet
the specialized investment needs of a relatively narrow group of institutional
investors such as the Funds are not readily marketable and are subject to a
Fund's restrictions on illiquid investments.
 
  Correlation risk: There may be imperfect correlation between the price of the
derivative and the underlying asset. For example, there may be price disparities
between the trading markets for the derivative contract and the underlying
asset.
 
  Each derivative instrument purchased for a Fund's portfolio is reviewed and
analyzed by the Fund's portfolio manager to assess the risk and reward of each
such instrument in relation to the Fund's portfolio investment strategy. The
decision to invest in derivative instruments or conventional securities is made
by measuring the respective instrument's ability to provide value to the Fund
and its shareholders.
 
  CASH EQUIVALENTS. Each Fund may invest in cash equivalents, which include
short-term obligations issued or guaranteed as to interest and principal by the
U.S. Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (including repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities). Each Fund may also invest in
obligations of domestic and/or foreign banks which at
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
the date of investment have capital, surplus, and undivided profits (as of the
date of their most recently published financial statements) in excess of $100
million. Each Fund may also invest in obligations of other banks or savings and
loan associations if such obligations are insured by the FDIC. Each Fund (except
Harbor Money Market Fund) may also invest in commercial paper which at the date
of investment is rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moody's or, if not rated,
is issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by companies
which at the date of investment have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or
better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's; short-term corporate obligations which
at the date of investment are rated AA or better by S&P or Aa or better by
Moody's (rated A in the case of Harbor Short Duration Fund), and other debt
instruments, including unrated instruments, deemed by the Subadviser to be of
comparable high quality and liquidity.
 
  Each Fund may hold cash and invest in cash equivalents pending investment of
proceeds from new sales or to meet ordinary daily cash needs.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. Government securities are obligations of, or
guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Some U.S.
Government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds and Government
National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") certificates, are supported by the full
faith and credit of the United States; others, such as those of the Federal Home
Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA"), are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase the agency's obligations; and still others, such as those of the
Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide
financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities as described
above in the future, since it is not obligated to do so by law, other than as
set forth above.
 
  FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Corporate and foreign governmental debt securities
are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest
payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to price
volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception
of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market
risk). Except to the extent that values are independently affected by currency
exchange rate fluctuations, when interest rates decline, the value of
fixed-income securities can generally be expected to rise. Conversely, when
interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities can be expected to
decline. The Subadviser will consider both credit risk and market risk in making
investment decisions for a Fund.
 
  Lower-rated debt securities. Securities which are rated BBB by S&P or Baa by
Moody's are generally regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal, but may have some speculative characteristics. Securities rated
below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P may have speculative characteristics,
including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such
securities, market price volatility based upon interest rate sensitivity,
questionable creditworthiness and relative liquidity of the secondary trading
market. Because high yield bonds have been found to be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or individual corporate developments and less sensitive to
interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, an economic downturn could
disrupt the market for high yield bonds and adversely affect the value of
outstanding bonds and the ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. In
addition, in a declining interest rate market, issuers of high yield bonds may
exercise redemption or call provisions, which may force a Fund, to the extent it
owns such securities, to replace those securities with lower yielding
securities. This could result in a decreased return for investors. In the event
that the rating for any security held in a Fund's portfolio drops below the
minimum acceptable rating applicable to that Fund, such change will be
considered by that Fund's Subadviser in evaluating the overall composition of
the Fund's portfolio.
 
  PREFERRED STOCKS. Preferred stock generally has a preference as to dividends
and upon liquidation over an issuer's common stock but ranks junior to debt
securities in an issuer's capital structure. Preferred stock generally pays
dividends in cash or additional shares of preferred stock at a defined rate.
Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends are
payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors. Dividends on
preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the issuer fails
to make one or more dividend payments on the preferred stock, no dividends may
be paid on the issuer's common stock until all unpaid preferred stock dividends
have been paid. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory
redemption provisions.
 
  CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities are bonds, preferred stocks and
other securities that normally pay a fixed rate of interest or dividend and give
the owner the option to convert the security into
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
common stock. While the value of convertible securities depends in part on
interest rate changes and the credit quality of the issuer, the price will also
change based on the price of the underlying stock. While convertible securities
generally have less potential for gain than common stock, their income provides
a cushion against the stock price's declines. They generally pay less income
than non-convertible bonds.
 
  SMALL COMPANIES. Harbor Growth Fund invests in securities of companies with
market capitalization or estimated revenues of not more than $500 million at the
time of initial investment. Small companies may (i) be subject to more volatile
market movements than securities of larger, more established companies; (ii)
have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; and (iii) depend
upon a limited or less experienced management group. The securities of small
companies may be traded only on the over-the-counter market or on a regional
securities exchange and may not be traded daily or in the volume typical of
trading on a national securities exchange. Disposition by the Fund of small
company securities in order to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell
these securities at a discount from market prices, over a longer period of time
or during periods when disposition is not desirable.
 
   
  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Harbor Bond and Harbor Short Duration Funds
may invest in mortgage backed securities. A mortgage-backed security may be an
obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct
interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage-backed securities,
such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), make payments of both
principal and interest at a variety of intervals; others make semiannual
interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like
a typical bond). Mortgage-backed securities are based on different types of
mortgages including those on commercial real estate or residential properties.
Mortgage-backed securities often have stated maturities of up to thirty years
when they are issued, depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the
securities. In practice, however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and
interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities' effective maturity
shorter than this, and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than
the current yield of a Fund's portfolio at the time the Fund receives the
payments for reinvestment. Mortgage-backed securities may have less potential
for capital appreciation than comparable fixed income securities, due to the
likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline. If a
Fund buys mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and
prepayments of principal by mortgagors (which may be made at any time without
penalty) may result in some loss of the Fund's principal investment to the
extent of the premium paid.
    
 
  The value of mortgage-backed securities may also change due to shifts in the
market's perception of issuers. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may
adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole. Non-governmental
mortgage-backed securities may offer higher yields than those issued by
government entities, but also may be subject to greater price changes than
governmental issues.
 
  "Stripped" mortgage-backed securities are created when a U.S. Government
agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal
components of a mortgage-backed security and sells them as individual
securities. The holder of the "principal-only" security (PO) receives the
principal payments made by the underlying mortgage-backed security, while the
holder of the "interest-only" security (IO) receives interest payments from the
same underlying security. The prices of stripped mortgage-backed securities may
be particularly affected by changes in interest rates. As interest rates fall,
prepayment rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and
increase prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect.
Although the market for these securities is increasingly liquid, the relevant
Subadviser may determine that certain stripped mortgage-backed securities issued
by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities are not readily
marketable. If so, these securities, together with privately-issued stripped
mortgage-backed securities, will be considered illiquid for purposes of the
Funds' limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
 
   
  Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs") are CMO vehicles that
qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and invest in mortgages principally secured by interests in
real property and other investments permitted by the Code.
    
 
   
  Harbor Money Market Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities that meet
the quality, liquidity and maturity standards applicable to money market funds
and that do not contain embedded leverage.
    
 
  ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Harbor Bond, Harbor Short Duration and Money
Market Funds may invest in securities that represent individual interests in
pools of consumer loans and trade receivables similar in structure to
mortgage-backed securities. The assets are
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
securitized either in pass-through structure or in a multiple class CMO-type
structure. Although the collateral supporting asset-backed securities generally
is of a shorter maturity than mortgage loans and historically has been less
likely to experience substantial prepayments, no assurance can be given as to
the actual maturity of an asset-backed security because prepayments of principal
may be made at any time.
 
  Asset-backed securities entail certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed
securities. Asset- backed securities do not have the benefit of the same type of
security interest in the related collateral. Credit card receivables are
generally unsecured and a number of state and Federal consumer credit laws give
debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby
reducing the outstanding balance. In the case of automobile receivables, there
is a risk that the holders may not have either a proper or first security
interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables due to the large
number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance, and technical requirements
under state laws. Therefore, recoveries on repossessed collateral may not always
be available to support payments on these securities.
 
   
                                     * * *
    
 
  The Funds may invest only in high quality mortgage-related (or other
asset-backed) securities either (i) issued by U.S. Government sponsored
corporations (currently GNMA, FHLMC, FNMA and Resolution Trust Corp.) or (ii)
rated in one of the top two categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated, of
equivalent investment quality as determined by the Subadvisers. The Subadvisers
will monitor continuously the ratings of securities held by the Funds that they
manage and the creditworthiness of their issuers.
 
  Other types of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be developed in
the future, and a Fund may invest in them if the relevant Subadviser determines
they are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies.
 
  VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. Variable and floating rate securities
provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations.
The terms of such obligations must provide that interest rates are adjusted
periodically based upon some appropriate interest rate adjustment index as
provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular,
and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as a change in
the prime rate. Variable and floating rate securities that cannot be disposed of
promptly within seven days and in the usual course of business without taking a
reduced price will be treated as illiquid and subject to the limitation on
investments in illiquid securities. See "Description of Securities and
Investment Techniques -- Restricted Securities" below.
 
  RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Each Fund (except Harbor Money Market Fund which will
not invest more than 10%) will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid investments, which includes repurchase agreements and fixed time
deposits maturing in more than seven days, securities that are not readily
marketable and restricted securities, unless the Board of Trustees determines,
based upon a continuing review of the trading markets for the specific
restricted security, that such restricted securities are liquid.
 
  Each Fund may purchase and sell restricted securities (i.e., securities that
would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act") prior to distribution to the general public) including restricted
securities eligible for resale to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the 1933 Act. It may be expensive or difficult for a Fund to dispose
of restricted securities in the event that registration is required or an
eligible purchaser cannot be found.
 
  The Board of Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Adviser the
daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of restricted securities.
The Board, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately
responsible for the determinations.
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with any
bank that satisfies the standards set forth under "Cash Equivalents" or with any
member firm of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or any
affiliate of a member firm, which is a primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities. In a repurchase agreement, a Fund buys a security at one price and
simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher price. Such agreements must be
collateralized, and the Funds' Custodian will maintain custody of the purchased
securities for the duration of the agreement. The securities will be regularly
monitored to ensure that the collateral is adequate. In the event of the
bankruptcy of the seller or the failure of the seller to repurchase the
securities as agreed, the Fund could suffer losses, including loss of interest
on or principal of the securities and costs associated with delay and
enforcement of the repurchase agreement.
 
  REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Harbor Short Duration Fund enters into reverse
repurchase agreements
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
with banks and broker-dealers to the extent permitted by the Fund's restrictions
on borrowing. Harbor Bond Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
banks for temporary or emergency purposes. A reverse repurchase agreement
involves the sale of a portfolio security by the Fund, coupled with an agreement
to repurchase the security at a specified time and price. During the reverse
repurchase agreement, the Fund continues to receive principal and interest
payments on the underlying securities. Each Fund will maintain a segregated
account, which is marked to market daily, consisting of cash or liquid assets to
cover its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements.
 
  While not considered senior securities, reverse repurchase agreements are
considered borrowings and as such are subject to the same risks associated with
borrowing by the Fund. When the Fund engages in borrowing for investment
purposes, also known as financial leverage, the Fund is required to maintain
continuous asset coverage (i.e., total assets including borrowings, less
liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300%
asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other
reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within
three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though
it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at
that time. Leveraging may exaggerate the effect on the Fund's net asset value of
any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be subject to interest costs which may or may not
be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; and in certain cases,
interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased. An
increase in interest rates could reduce or eliminate the benefits of leverage
and could reduce the net asset value of the Fund's shares.
 
  LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may seek to increase its income by
lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, such loans may
be made to financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and are required to
be secured continuously by collateral consisting of cash or liquid assets. Such
collateral must be maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to
the market value of the securities loaned. If the Subadviser determines to make
securities loans, it is intended that the value of the securities loaned would
not exceed 30% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. As with other
extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of
rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. Each Fund is permitted to invest in the securities of
corporate and governmental issuers located in or doing business in a foreign
country (foreign issuers). A company is located in or doing business in a
foreign country if it satisfies at least one of the following criteria: (i) the
equity securities of the company are traded principally on stock exchanges in
one or more foreign countries; (ii) it derives 50% or more of its total revenue
from goods produced, sales made or services performed in one or more foreign
countries; (iii) it maintains 50% or more of its assets in one or more foreign
countries; (iv) it is organized under the laws of a foreign country; or (v) its
principal executive offices are located in a foreign country. Harbor Money
Market Fund may purchase only U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities.
Investing in securities of foreign companies and governments may involve risks
which are not ordinarily associated with investing in domestic securities. These
risks include changes in currency exchange rates and currency exchange control
regulations or other foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such
investments. A decline in the exchange rate would reduce the value of certain
portfolio securities. Also, if the exchange rate for the currency in which a
Fund receives interest payments declines against the U.S. dollar before such
interest is paid as dividends to shareholders, the Fund may have to sell
portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends. As
discussed below, a Fund may employ certain investment techniques to hedge its
foreign currency exposure; however, such techniques also entail certain risks.
 
  In addition, investments in foreign countries could be affected by other
factors generally not thought to be present in the United States. Such factors
include the unavailability of financial information or the difficulty of
interpreting financial information prepared under foreign accounting standards;
less liquidity and more volatility in foreign securities markets; the
possibility of expropriation; the imposition of foreign withholding and other
taxes; the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments; limitations
on the movement of funds or other assets of a Fund between different countries;
difficulties in invoking legal process abroad and enforcing contractual
obligations; and the difficulty of assessing economic trends in foreign
countries.
 
  Emerging Markets. Investments in emerging markets involve risks in addition to
those generally associated with investments in foreign securities. Political and
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
economic structures in many emerging markets may be undergoing significant
evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social,
political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. As
a result, the risks described above relating to investments in foreign
securities, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets,
may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments
may affect the values of the Fund's investments and the availability to the Fund
of additional investments in such emerging markets. The small size and
inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging markets and the
limited volume of trading in securities in those markets may make the Fund's
investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in
countries with more developed securities markets (such as the U.S., Japan and
most Western European countries).
 
  ADRs, EDRs, IDRs and GDRs. American Depository Receipts (ADRs) (sponsored or
unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company
evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Most ADRs are traded
on a U.S. stock exchange. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not contractually
obligated to disclose material information in the U.S., so there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of the unsponsored
ADR. European Depository Receipts (EDRs) and International Depository Receipts
(IDRs) are receipts typically issued by a European bank or trust company
evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Global Depository
Receipts (GDRs) are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. banking
institution evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities.
 
  BRADY BONDS. Harbor Bond Fund may invest in Brady Bonds which are securities
created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign
entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt
restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas
P. Brady. Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and for that reason do not
have a long payment history. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or
uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (but primarily the U.S.
dollar), and are actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady
Bonds are not considered to be U.S. Government securities. In light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities in
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds may be viewed as
speculative. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds acquired by a Fund will
not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit,
which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its
holdings. See the Statement of Additional Information for additional discussion
of the risks of investing in foreign securities.
 
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund (other than Harbor Money Market Fund)
may purchase securities denominated in foreign currencies. The value of
investments in these securities and the value of dividends and interest earned
may be significantly affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Some
foreign currency values may be volatile, and there is the possibility of
governmental controls on currency exchange or governmental intervention in
currency markets, which could adversely affect a Fund. As a result, these Funds
may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect against
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A forward foreign currency exchange
contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a
future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Although certain
strategies could minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the
hedged foreign currency, they could also limit any potential gain which might
result from an increase in the value of the currency.
 
  Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts for non-hedging purposes when the Subadviser
anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value,
but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment
opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio. Harbor Bond Fund and
Harbor Short Duration Fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward
contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of
securities denominated in a different currency if the Subadviser determines that
there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. These practices
may be limited by the requirements for qualification of the Fund as a regulated
investment company for tax purposes.
 
  CURRENCY SWAPS, MORTGAGE SWAPS AND INTEREST RATE SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND
COLLARS. Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may enter into currency
swaps for hedging purposes and may also enter into mortgage and interest rate
swaps and interest rate caps and floors for hedging purposes or to seek to
increase total return. These Funds may from time to time
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
combine swaps with options. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund
with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest,
such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage
swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to
pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a
reference pool or pools of mortgages. Currency swaps involve the exchange of
their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. The
purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a
specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of
interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest
rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the
extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to
receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party
selling the interest rate floor.
 
  These Funds will enter into interest rate and mortgage swaps only on a net
basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. Interest rate and mortgage swaps do not involve the delivery of
securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss
with respect to interest rate and mortgage swaps is limited to the net amount of
interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other
party to an interest rate or mortgage swap defaults, the Fund's risk of loss
consists of the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually
entitled to receive. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of
a gross payment stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross
payment stream in another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment
stream under a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the
swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. To the extent that
the net amount payable by the Fund under an interest rate or mortgage swap and
the entire amount of the payment stream payable by the Fund under a currency
swap or an interest rate floor, cap or collar are held in a segregated account
consisting of cash or liquid assets, the Fund and the Subadviser believe that
swaps do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will
not treat them as being subject to the Fund's borrowing restriction.
 
  These Funds will not enter into currency swap, interest rate swap, mortgage
swap, cap or floor transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior
debt or claims paying ability of the other party is rated either AA of A-1 or
better by S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's or, if unrated by such rating
organizations, determined to be of comparable quality by the Subadviser.
 
  OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund (other than Harbor Money Market
Fund) may buy and sell options contracts, financial futures contracts and
options on futures contracts. Options and futures contracts are bought and sold
to manage a Fund's exposure to changing interest rates, security prices, and
currency exchange rates. Some options and futures strategies, including selling
futures, buying puts, and writing calls, tend to hedge a Fund's investment
against price fluctuations. Other strategies, including buying futures, writing
puts, and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options and futures
may be combined with each other or with forward contracts in order to adjust the
risk and return characteristics of the overall strategy. Each Fund (other than
Harbor Money Market Fund) may purchase and sell options and futures based on
securities, indices, or currencies (not permitted for Harbor Value Fund),
including options and futures traded on foreign exchanges and options not traded
on any exchange. Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may use options
on currencies for cross-hedging purposes.
 
  Options and futures can be volatile investments and involve certain risks. If
the Subadviser applies a hedge at an inappropriate time or judges market
conditions incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower a Fund's
return. A Fund can also experience losses if the prices of its options and
futures positions are poorly correlated with those of its other investments, or
if it cannot close out its positions because of an illiquid secondary market.
Options and futures do not pay interest, but may produce income, gains or
losses.
 
  A Fund will not engage in a transaction in futures or options on futures for
nonhedging purposes if, immediately thereafter, the sum of initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish nonhedging positions in futures
contracts and options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. The
loss incurred by a Fund investing in futures contracts and in writing options on
futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of any premium
received. The Funds' transactions in options and futures contracts may be
limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company.
 
  SHORT SALES. Each Fund (other than Harbor International Growth Fund, Harbor
International Fund and
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
Harbor International Fund II) may engage in short sales "against the box," as
well as short sales for hedging purposes. When a Fund engages in a short sale
other than "against the box," it will place cash or liquid securities in a
segregated account and mark them to market daily in accordance with applicable
regulatory requirements. Except for short sales against the box, a Fund is
limited in the amount of the Fund's net assets that may be committed to short
sales and the securities in which short sales are made must be listed on a
national securities exchange. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent
that the Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain, at no added
cost, securities identical to those sold short. Short sales other than "against
the box" may involve an unlimited exposure to loss.
 
  FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. Each Fund may purchase and
sell when-issued securities and make contracts to purchase and sell securities
for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. Purchasing
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss
if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement
date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in value of the Fund's
other assets. Although a Fund would generally purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring
securities for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of a when-issued security or
forward commitment prior to settlement if the Subadviser deems it appropriate to
do so. A Fund may enter into a forward-commitment sale to hedge its portfolio
positions or to sell securities it owned under delayed delivery arrangement.
Proceeds of such a sale are not received until the contractual settlement date.
While such a contract is outstanding, the Fund must segregate equivalent
deliverable securities or hold an offsetting purchase commitment. A Fund may
realize short-term gains or losses upon such purchases and sales.
 
                       PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION
 
  MONEY MARKET FUND. From time to time quotations of Harbor Money Market Fund's
"yield" and "effective yield" may be included in advertisements and
communications to shareholders. Both yield figures are based on historical
earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The "yield" of the
Fund refers to the net income generated by an investment in the Fund over a
specified seven-day period. This income is then "annualized." That is, the
amount of income generated by the investment during that week is assumed to be
generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the
investment. The "effective yield" is expressed similarly but, when annualized,
the income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be reinvested. The
"effective yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. "Yield" and "effective yield"
for the Fund will vary based on changes in market conditions, the level of
interest rates and the level of the Fund's expenses. The Fund may include in its
advertisements and communications to shareholders total return quotations which
include realized and unrealized gains and losses.
 
  OTHER FUNDS. From time to time a Fund, other than Harbor Money Market Fund,
may publish its yield and/or average annual total return in advertisements and
communications to shareholders. The yield of a Fund will be calculated by
dividing the net investment income per share during a recent 30-day period by
the maximum offering price (i.e. net asset value) per share of the Fund on the
last day of the period. The results are compounded on a bond equivalent
(semi-annual) basis and then annualized. A Fund's total return is determined by
computing the annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at the
maximum public offering price (i.e. net asset value) for specified periods
ending with the most recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value.
 
  You should note that the investment results of a Fund will fluctuate over
time, and any presentation of a Fund's yield or total return for any prior
period should not be considered as a representation of what an investment may
earn or what an investor's yield or total return may be in any future period.
Because yield accounting methods differ from the methods used for other
accounting purposes, a Fund's yield may not equal the income paid to a
shareholder's account or the income reported in a Fund's financial statements.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Subadvisers are responsible for making specific decisions to buy and sell
securities for the respective Funds that they manage. They are also responsible
for selecting brokers and dealers to effect these transactions and negotiating,
if possible, brokerage commissions and dealers' charges. In the over-the-counter
markets, securities (i.e. debt securities) are generally traded on a net basis
with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated
commission. The primary consideration in selecting broker-dealers to execute
portfolio security transactions is the execution of such portfolio transactions
at the most favorable prices. Subject to this requirement, securities may be
bought from or sold to brokers or dealers who have furnished statistical,
research and other information or services to the Subadvisers. Higher
commissions may be paid to broker-dealers that provide research services and the
Subadvisers may enter into such arrangements.
 
   
  PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Securities in a Fund's portfolio will be sold whenever the
respective Subadviser believes it is appropriate to do so without regard to
length of time the particular security may have been held. Each of the Funds
will engage in portfolio trading if its Subadviser believes a transaction, net
of costs (including custodian charges), will help in achieving such Fund's
investment objective. The frequency of each Fund's portfolio transactions or
turnover rate may vary from year to year depending on market conditions. A
higher turnover rate involves greater expense to the Fund and could increase the
Fund's realization of capital gains that would be taxable to shareholders upon
distribution to them by the Fund. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997,
the portfolio turnover rates for Harbor Growth Fund, Harbor Value Fund, Harbor
Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund were 147%, 146%, 252% and 1,519%,
respectively. Harbor Growth Fund's portfolio manager expects the Fund's turnover
rate to be less than 100% for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1998. A
portfolio turnover rate of over 100% is higher than the rate experienced by many
other investment companies and is a result of an actively managed portfolio.
Although the higher turnover rate creates expenses for these Funds, the
Subadvisers believe that the portfolio transactions are in the best interests of
shareholders. Major shareholders of Harbor Short Duration Fund use it as a
liquidity reserve and, therefore, there is frequent purchase and sales activity.
    
 
                       DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX INFORMATION
 
  Each Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code, which requires meeting certain requirements relating
to its sources of income, diversification of its assets, and distribution of its
income to shareholders and has qualified as such for its taxable year ended
October 31, 1997. Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company
for each taxable year. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be
subject to Federal income or excise taxes on its net investment income and net
realized capital gains to the extent such income and gains are distributed to
its shareholders in accordance with the timing and other requirements imposed by
the Code.
 
  Each of Harbor International Growth Fund, Harbor International Fund II and
Harbor International Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign
taxes on its income from foreign securities (possibly including, in some cases,
capital gains) and may be eligible to elect to pass certain of such taxes and
related foreign tax credits or deductions through to shareholders. The
availability of such credits or deductions is subject to certain restrictions
and limitations under the Code. Other Funds may also be subject to foreign taxes
with respect to their foreign investments but generally will not be eligible to
make this election. Certain foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a Fund
may be treated as ordinary income and losses. Investment by any Fund in zero
coupon, stripped or certain other securities with original issue discount or
market discount could require the Fund to liquidate investments in order to
generate cash for distributions.
 
  Harbor Money Market Fund will declare a dividend of its net investment income
(which is composed of dividends, if applicable, and interest less expenses)
daily and distribute such dividend monthly. Each other Fund will declare and
distribute a dividend of its net investment income including, in the case of
Harbor International Growth Fund, Harbor International Fund II, Harbor
International Fund, Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund, any net
foreign exchange gains treated as ordinary income, if any, at least annually.
Such distributions will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income and, in
the cases of Harbor Growth
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
Fund, Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund and Harbor Value Fund, may qualify in
part for a 70% dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to the
limitations on availability of the deduction and the other tax consequences of
the receipt of qualifying dividends. Distributions reinvested in shares or paid
in cash will be made shortly after the first business day of the month following
declaration of the dividend. Certain dividends paid by a Fund in January of a
given year will be taxable to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the
prior year.
 
  Each Fund will distribute at least annually on or about the close of the
calendar year its net short-term and long-term capital gains, if any.
Distributions of the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term
capital loss will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions
of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss
(taking into account any capital loss carryforwards used to offset net long-term
or short-term capital gains) will be taxable as long-term capital gain (taxable
for noncorporate shareholders at maximum rates of 28% or 20%, or in rare cases
25%, depending upon the source), regardless of how long the shareholders have
held their shares. Shareholders will be informed about the amount and character
of distributions from a Fund for federal income tax purposes, which will be the
same whether a shareholder receives cash distributions or reinvests in
additional shares of the distributing Fund or exchanges into another Harbor
Fund. Investors purchasing shares (other than shares of the Harbor Money Market
Fund) just prior to a distribution should be aware that the share price at that
time includes the amount of the forthcoming distribution, and the distribution
will be taxable to them even though it represents a return of a portion of their
investment.
 
  A Fund's transactions involving options, futures contracts, forward contracts,
swaps, and short sales, including such transactions that may be treated as
constructive sales of appreciated positions in a Fund's portfolio or that
involve foreign exchange gain or loss, will be subject to special tax rules, the
effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer Fund losses,
cause adjustments in the holding periods of securities, convert capital gain or
loss into ordinary income or loss or affect the treatment as short-term or
long-term of certain capital gains and losses. These rules could therefore
affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders and
result in the recognition of income or gain without a corresponding receipt of
cash. A Fund may therefore need to obtain cash from other sources in order to
satisfy the applicable tax distribution requirements.
 
  Shareholders subject to the information reporting requirements of the Code,
including most non-corporate shareholders, are required to provide Harbor with
their social security or other taxpayer identification numbers and certain
required certifications. Harbor may refuse to accept an application or may be
required to withhold (as "backup withholding") 31% of reportable dividends,
capital gain distributions and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of
shares (other than shares of the Harbor Money Market Fund) if such numbers and
certifications are not provided, if a shareholder informs the Fund that backup
withholding is currently applicable to the shareholder, or if the Fund is
notified by the Internal Revenue Service or a broker that a number provided is
incorrect or that a shareholder is subject to backup withholding for failure to
report all taxable interest or dividend payments. Amounts treated as ordinary
dividends to non-U.S. persons may be subject to nonresident alien withholding
tax at a rate of up to 30%, and certain other payments to such persons may be
subject to backup withholding.
 
  In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may also be subject to foreign,
state and local taxes on distributions of a Fund or the value of the
shareholder's investment in the Fund depending on the laws of the jurisdictions
in which the shareholder is subject to tax. Shareholders should consult their
own tax advisers concerning the federal, state and other tax consequences for
them regarding their investment in a Fund.
 
  DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS. You must select one of the following options and may
change your selection as often as desired by notifying the Shareholder Servicing
Agent in writing:
 
  Option A--  Dividends and capital gain distributions reinvested. This option
              will be assigned if no other option is specified and is the only
              option for Systematic Withdrawal Plans.
 
  Option B--  Dividends in cash; capital gain distributions reinvested.
 
  Option C--  Dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
 
  Option D--  Dividends and capital gains from one Harbor Fund invested in
              shares of another Harbor Fund of your choice.
 
  Under Option A, dividends, net of any required withholding taxes, will be
reinvested in additional full and
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
fractional shares of the same Fund at the net asset
value determined at the close of business on the ex-dividend date. Under Options
A and B, capital gain distributions, net of any required withholding taxes, will
be reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the same Fund at the
net asset value determined at the close of business on the ex-dividend date.
Under Option D, dividends and capital gain distributions, net of any required
withholding taxes, will be invested in full and fractional shares of another
Harbor Fund at the net asset value determined at the close of business on the
payable date, which is later than the date on which the dividend is declared.
For federal income tax purposes, dividends and capital gain distributions are
taxable as described above under "Distributions and Tax Information" whether
paid in cash or reinvested under these options. For Harbor Money Market Fund,
all dividends and capital gain distributions of $25 or less will be
automatically reinvested.
 
  Unless otherwise instructed, Harbor Fund will send dividends and capital gain
distributions elected to be received as cash to the address of record. If postal
or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the address of record
or if dividends and capital gain distributions are not cashed within sixty (60)
days, the shareholder's distribution option will automatically be converted to
having all dividend and other distributions reinvested in additional shares.
Neither Harbor Fund nor Harbor Transfer has any obligation, under any
circumstances, to pay interest on dividends or capital gain distributions
distributed to a shareholder.
 
                        ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
 
  Harbor was established as a Massachusetts business trust on May 20, 1986 and
reorganized as a Delaware business trust on June 25, 1993. The Trustees of
Harbor Fund are responsible for the overall management and supervision of its
affairs. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund to
which it relates with each other share in that Fund. Shares entitle their
holders to one vote per share. Shares have noncumulative voting rights, do not
have preemptive or subscription rights and are transferable. Pursuant to the
Investment Company Act, shareholders of each Fund are required to approve the
adoption of any investment advisory agreement relating to such Fund and of any
changes in fundamental investment restrictions or policies of such Fund.
Pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC, shareholders are not required to vote
to approve a new or amended subadvisory agreement. Shares of a Fund will be
voted with respect to that Fund only, except for the election of Trustees and
the ratification of independent accountants. The Trustees are empowered, without
shareholder approval, by the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration of Trust") and By-Laws to create additional series of shares and to
classify and reclassify any new or existing series of shares into one or more
classes.
 
   
  As of February 12, 1998, an Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust pension
portfolio owned beneficially and of record 61% of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest of Harbor Short Duration Fund. As of February 12, 1998, the
Owens-Illinois 401(k) Trust owned beneficially and of record 39%, 25% and 26% of
the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of Harbor Growth Fund, Harbor
Value Fund and Harbor Money Market Fund, respectively.
    
 
  Although all shareholders reserve the right to terminate their investments in
any of the Funds at any time in the future, the Owens-Illinois Master Retirement
Trust pension portfolio and Owens-Illinois savings plans have no present
intention of doing so.
 
  Harbor does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings. Shareholders have
certain rights, as set forth in the Declaration of Trust, including the right to
call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting on the removal of one
or more Trustees. Such removal can be effected upon the action of two-thirds of
the outstanding shares of Harbor.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
                                   APPENDIX A
                          PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION CHART
                                OCTOBER 31, 1997
                                HARBOR BOND FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          SECURITY                            PERCENT OF NET ASSETS
                          --------                            ---------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
U.S. Government Securities*.................................           50.4
Short-Term Obligations and Other Assets.....................           10.8
Debt -- Unrated by S&P or Moody's...........................             --
Debt -- S&P Rating or Moody's Equivalent
  AAA.......................................................           12.3
  AA........................................................            4.5
  A.........................................................           12.7
  BBB.......................................................            3.1
  BB........................................................            5.2
  B.........................................................             --
                                                                      -----
                                                                        100%
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
* Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies,
  authorities or instrumentalities.
 
  The chart above indicates the composition of Harbor Bond Fund's portfolio at
October 31, 1997, with the debt securities rated by S&P separated into quality
categories. The chart does not necessarily indicate what the composition of the
Fund's portfolio will be in subsequent years. Rather, the Fund's investment
objective, policies and restrictions indicate the extent to which the Trust may
purchase securities in the various categories.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
                              HARBOR FUND SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Minimum Initial Investment                     $2,000
 
Minimum Subsequent Investment                  $500
 
Minimum Subsequent Account Balance             $1,000
 
Telephone Exchange                             Yes, if selected on application. Same minimum initial and
                                                 subsequent investments.
 
Telephone Redemption                           Yes, if selected on application.
 
UGMA, UTMA, profit-sharing, savings            $500 minimum initial investment; $100 minimum subsequent
  or pension plans                               investment; and $500 minimum subsequent account balance.
 
Systematic Investment Plan                     $500 minimum initial investment; $100 minimum subsequent
                                                 investment per month or quarter.
 
Systematic Withdrawal Plan                     $10,000 minimum initial balance to begin plan.
 
Systematic Exchange Plan                       $5,000 minimum initial balance to begin exchange out; $500
                                                 minimum initial balance to begin exchange in; $100 minimum
                                                 subsequent exchange per month or quarter; minimum
                                                 requirement of six exchanges.
 
IRA Plans and Fees                             $500 minimum initial investment; $100 minimum subsequent
                                                 investment; and $500 minimum subsequent account balance.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   43
 
                                  SUBADVISERS
 
HARBOR GROWTH FUND (HAGWX)
Cusip No. 411511207
 
Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc.
401 E. Pratt Street
Suite 211
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND (HAIGX)
Cusip No. 411511801
HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND (HACAX)
Cusip No. 411511504
 
   
Jennison Associates LLC
    
466 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II (HAIIX)
Cusip No. 411511884
 
Summit International Investments, Inc.
125 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND (HAINX)
Cusip No. 411511306
 
Northern Cross Investments Limited
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton, Bermuda HMDX
HARBOR VALUE FUND (HAVLX)
Cusip No. 411511603
 
DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.
201 Orange Avenue, Suite 850
Orlando, Florida 32801
 
Richards & Tierney, Inc.
111 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois 60604
 
HARBOR BOND FUND (HABDX)
Cusip No. 411511108
 
Pacific Investment Management Company
840 Newport Center Drive
P.O. Box 6430
Newport Beach, California 92658-6430
 
HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND (HASDX)
Cusip No. 411511702
HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND (HARXX)
Cusip No. 411511405
 
Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
<PAGE>   44
 
<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Ronald C. Boller             Chairman, President
                             and Trustee
Howard P. Colhoun            Trustee
John P. Gould                Trustee
Rodger F. Smith              Trustee
Constance L. Souders         Secretary and
                             Treasurer
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc.
One SeaGate
Toledo, OH 43666
DISTRIBUTOR AND
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
HCA Securities, Inc.
One SeaGate
Toledo, OH 43666
(419) 247-2477
     SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
     Harbor Transfer, Inc.
     P.O. Box 10048
     Toledo, OH 43699-0048
     1-800-422-1050
     CUSTODIAN
     State Street Bank and Trust Company
     P.O. Box 1713
     Boston, MA 02105
     INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
     Price Waterhouse LLP
     160 Federal Street
     Boston, MA 02110
     LEGAL COUNSEL
     Hale and Dorr LLP
     60 State Street
     Boston, MA 02109
</TABLE>
 
                              [HARBOR FUND LOGO]
 
                                  One SeaGate
                               Toledo, Ohio 43666
                                 1-800-422-1050
 
   
3/98/363,000                                                              (LOGO)
    
                                                                  recycled paper
<PAGE>   45
 
HARBOR FUND              One SeaGate    Toledo, Ohio 43666
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--MARCH 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Harbor Fund ("Harbor") is an open-end management investment company (or
mutual fund) consisting of nine separate, diversified series: Harbor Growth
Fund, Harbor International Growth Fund, Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund, Harbor
International Fund II, Harbor International Fund, Harbor Value Fund, Harbor Bond
Fund, Harbor Short Duration Fund and Harbor Money Market Fund (individually or
collectively referred to as a "Fund" or the "Funds"). Additional funds may be
created by the Trustees from time to time. Each Fund is managed by one or more
subadvisers (each, a "Subadviser") under the supervision of Harbor Capital
Advisors, Inc., the Funds' investment adviser (the "Adviser").
 
    This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus of Harbor Fund dated March 1, 1998, as
amended or supplemented from time to time. A copy of the Prospectus may be
obtained without charge by calling 1-800-422-1050 or by writing to Harbor Fund
at One SeaGate, Toledo, OH 43666.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE IN
                                                                          STATEMENT OF                       PAGE IN
                                                                     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION                 PROSPECTUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                    ----------------------                 ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>                                    <C>
ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES...............                    2
  Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund...........                    2                               13
  Harbor Money Market Fund..................................                    3                               16
  Investment Techniques.....................................                    3                               27
    Borrowing...............................................                    3
    Mortgage "Dollar Roll" Transactions.....................                    4
    Lending of Portfolio Securities.........................                    4                               31
    Foreign Securities......................................                    4                               31
    Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities..........                    5                               34
  Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities........                    6                               29
    Mortgage-Backed Securities..............................                    6                               29
    Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities.............                    6
    Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and
     Collateralized Mortgage Obligations....................                    6
    Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities.....................                    7
    Risk Factors Associated with Mortgage-Backed
     Securities.............................................                    7
    Asset-Backed Securities.................................                    7                               29
    Risks Associated With Specific Types of Derivative Debt
     Securities.............................................                    8
  Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Currency....                    8
    Writing Covered Options.................................                    9
    Purchasing Options......................................                    9
    Risks Associated With Options Transactions..............                   10
  Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts........                   10
    Futures Contracts.......................................                   10
    Hedging and Other Strategies............................                   10
  Options on Futures Contracts..............................                   11
  Other Considerations......................................                   12
  Foreign Currency Transactions.............................                   12                               32
  U.S. Government Securities................................                   14                               28
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.....................................                   14
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.......................................                   16
THE ADVISER, SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND SHAREHOLDER
  SERVICING AGENT...........................................                   17                               24
  The Adviser...............................................                   17                               24
  The Subadvisers...........................................                   17                               24
  Other Information.........................................                   18
  Distributor and Shareholder Servicing Agent...............                   19                               27
  Code of Ethics............................................                   19
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS......................................                   19                               35
NET ASSET VALUE.............................................                   21
PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION...........................                   23                               34
TAX INFORMATION.............................................                   25                               35
ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION.............................                   27                               37
  General...................................................                   27
  Shareholder and Trustee Liability.........................                   28
CUSTODIAN...................................................                   28
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............                   28
APPENDIX A..................................................                   29                               38
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   46
 
                 ADDITIONAL POLICIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
  GENERAL. Each Fund has a different investment objective which it pursues
through separate investment policies, as described in the Prospectus and
 
below. The following discussion elaborates on the presentation of the Funds'
investment policies contained in the Prospectus.
 
   
HARBOR BOND FUND AND
    
   
HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND
    
 
   
  DURATION. Duration is a measure of average maturity that was developed to
incorporate a bond's yield, coupons, final maturity and call features into one
measure. Duration is one of the tools used in security selection for the Funds.
    
 
  Most debt obligations provide interest ("coupon") payments in addition to a
final ("par") payment at maturity. Some obligations also feature call
provisions. Depending on the relative magnitude of these payments, debt
obligations may respond differently to changes in the level and structure of
interest rates. Traditionally, a debt security's "term to maturity" has been
used as a proxy for the sensitivity of the security's price to changes in
interest rates (which is the "interest rate risk" or "volatility" of the
security). However, "term to maturity" measures only the time until a debt
security provides its final payment, and doesn't take into account the pattern
of the security's payments prior to maturity. Duration is a measure of the
average life of a fixed-income security on a present value basis. Duration is
computed by calculating the length of the time intervals between the present
time and the time that the interest and principal payments are scheduled (or in
the case of a callable bond, expected to be received), and weighting them by the
present values of the cash to be received at each future point in time. For any
fixed income security with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of
principal, duration is always less than maturity. In general, the lower the
stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income security, the longer the
duration of the security. Conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of
interest of a fixed income security, the shorter the duration of the security.
 
   
  Generally speaking, if interest rates move up by 100 basis points, a
fixed-income security with a five-year duration will decline by five points. If
the fixed-income security's duration was three years, it would decline by three
points; two years -- two points; and so on. To the extent each Fund is invested
in fixed-income securities, the value of the Funds' portfolio will decrease in a
similar manner given the conditions illustrated above.
    
 
  Futures, options and options on futures have durations which, in general, are
closely related to the duration of the securities which underlie them. Holding
long futures or call option positions will lengthen the portfolio duration by
approximately the same amount that holding an equivalent amount of the
underlying securities would. Short futures or put option positions have
durations roughly equal to the negative duration of the securities that underlie
those positions, and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by
approximately the same amount that selling an equivalent amount of the
underlying securities would.
 
  HIGH YIELD BONDS. Harbor Bond Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in
corporate debt securities that are not investment grade but are rated B or
higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("S&P") (commonly called "junk bonds"). The widespread expansion
of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the
corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to
economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could
severely disrupt the market for high yield bonds and adversely affect the value
of outstanding bonds and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and
interest.
 
  The prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to
interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to
adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an
economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly
leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect
their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to
meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer
of a bond owned by Harbor Bond Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional
expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and
changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of
high yield bonds and the Fund's net asset value, to the extent it holds such
bonds. Furthermore, the market prices of high yield bonds structured as zero
coupon or pay-in-kind securities
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   47
 
are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and thereby tend to be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
 
  High yield bonds also present risks based on payment expectations. For
example, high yield bonds may contain redemption or call provisions. If an
issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund
may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, which may
result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield bond's
value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the
Fund's assets. If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, this may
force it to sell high yield bonds, without regard to their investment merits,
thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the Fund's expenses can be spread
and possibly reducing the Fund's rate of return.
 
  In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary
market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds. This may have an impact
on PIMCO's ability to accurately value high yield bonds and the Fund's assets
and on the Fund's ability to dispose of such bonds.
 
  There are special tax considerations associated with investing in bonds,
including high yield bonds, structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities.
For example, the Fund is required to report the accrued interest on these
securities as current income each year even though it may receive no cash
interest until the security's maturity or payment date. The Fund may be required
to sell some of its assets to obtain cash to distribute to shareholders in order
to satisfy the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code") with respect to such accrued interest. These actions are
likely to reduce the Fund's assets and may thereby increase its expense ratio
and decrease its rate of return.
 
  Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit ratings as a method for
evaluating high yield bonds. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of
principal and interest payments, not market value risk of high yield bonds.
Also, since credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings
to reflect subsequent events, the Fund (in conjunction with PIMCO) will
continuously monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in its portfolio, if any,
to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet
required principal and interest payments, so the Fund can meet redemption
requests.
 
HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND
 
  The Fund may invest its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S.
or foreign issuers and in securities of foreign branches of U.S. banks and major
foreign banks, such as negotiable certificates of deposit (Eurodollars). An
investment in the debt obligations of foreign issuers involves investment risks
that are different from an investment in a fund which invests only in debt
obligations of U.S. issuers. See "Investment Practices of the Funds -- Foreign
Securities."
 
  The extent of deviation between the Fund's net asset value based upon
available market quotations or market equivalents and $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost will be periodically examined by the Trustees. If such deviation
exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, will
be initiated. In the event the Trustees determine that a deviation exists which
may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing
shareholders, they will take such corrective action as they regard to be
necessary and appropriate. Such action may include the sale of portfolio
instruments prior to maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten
average portfolio maturity; withholding part or all of dividends or payment of
distributions from capital or capital gains; redemptions of shares in kind; or
establishing a net asset value per share by using available market quotations or
equivalents. In addition, in order to stabilize the net asset value per share at
$1.00, the Trustees have the authority (1) to reduce or increase the number of
shares outstanding on a pro rata basis, and (2) to offset each shareholder's pro
rata portion of the deviation between the net asset value per share and $1.00
from the shareholder's accrued dividend account or from future dividends.
 
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
   
  BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow for temporary administrative or emergency
purposes and this borrowing may be unsecured. Harbor Short Duration Fund may
borrow from banks and broker-dealers and engage in reverse repurchase agreements
for purposes of investing the borrowed funds. The Fund maintains continuous
asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities
exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300% asset
coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, a
Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to
reduce its borrowings and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be
disadvantageous
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   48
 
from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. Borrowing may
exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the
market value of the portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs
which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. A
Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection
with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of
credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over
the stated interest rate.
 
  MORTGAGE "DOLLAR ROLL" TRANSACTIONS. The Harbor Bond and Harbor Short Duration
Funds may enter into mortgage "dollar roll" transactions with selected banks and
broker-dealers. In a dollar roll, the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities and
simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon
and maturity) securities on a specified future day. A Fund will only enter into
covered rolls. A "covered roll" is a specific type of dollar roll for which
there is an offsetting cash or cash equivalent security position which matures
on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. Covered
rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security and will be
excluded from the calculation of a Fund's borrowings and other senior
securities. For financial reporting and tax purposes, a Fund treats mortgage
dollar rolls as two separate transactions: one involving the purchase of a
security and a separate transaction involving a sale. A Fund does not currently
intend to enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions that are accounted for as
a financing.
 
  LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may seek to increase its income by
lending portfolio securities. Under present regulatory policies, loans may only
be made to financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and would be required
to be secured continuously by collateral in cash or liquid assets. The
collateral will be maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to
the market value of the securities loaned. The Fund would have the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on five days' notice. For
the duration of a loan, the Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the
interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also
receive compensation from the investment of the collateral. The Fund would not,
however, have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the
existence of the loan. In the event of an important vote to be taken among
holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent on a
material matter affecting the investment, the Fund would call the loan. As with
other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of
rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.
However, the loans would be made only to firms deemed by the relevant Subadviser
to be of good standing, and when, in the judgment of the Subadviser, the
consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans of this type
justifies the attendant risk. If the Subadviser decides to make securities
loans, it is intended that the value of the securities loaned would not exceed
30% of the value of the total assets of the Fund.
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest, subject to the other investment
policies applicable to each Fund, in foreign securities. Fixed commissions on
foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on
U.S. exchanges, although each Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net
results on portfolio transactions. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed
companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and
foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States,
thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or
loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Individual foreign economies may
also differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as
growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
 
  Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and
in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions. These delays in settlement
could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make
intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities, or, if a Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser.
 
  The Funds' custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, has established and
monitors subcustodial relationships with banks and certain other financial
institutions in the foreign countries in which the Funds invest to permit the
Funds' assets to be held in those
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   49
 
foreign countries. These relationships have been established pursuant to Rule
17f-5 of the Investment Company Act which governs the establishment of foreign
subcustodial arrangements for mutual funds. The Funds' subcustodial arrangements
may be subject to certain risks including: (i) the inability of the Funds to
recover assets in the event of the subcustodian's bankruptcy; (ii) legal
restrictions on the Funds' ability to recover assets lost while under the care
of the subcustodian; (iii) the likelihood of expropriation, confiscation or a
freeze of the Funds' assets; and (iv) difficulties in converting the Funds' cash
and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars. The Adviser and the respective Subadvisers
have evaluated the political risk associated with an investment in a particular
country.
 
  Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies may entail additional risks
especially in emerging countries due to the potential political and economic
instability of certain countries. These risks include expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment and on repatriation of capital invested. Should one of these events
occur, a Fund could lose its entire investment in any such country. A Fund's
investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control regulation
in any of those countries.
 
  Even though opportunities for investment may exist in foreign countries, any
changes in the leadership or policies of the governments of those countries or
in any other government which exercises a significant influence over those
countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign
investment policies and thereby eliminate any investment opportunities which may
currently exist. This is particularly true of emerging markets.
 
  Certain countries in which the Funds may invest may have vocal minorities that
advocate radical religious or revolutionary philosophies or support ethnic
independence. Any disturbance on the part of such individuals could carry the
potential for wide-spread destruction or confiscation of property owned by
individuals and entities foreign to such country and could cause the loss of a
Fund's investment in those countries.
 
  Certain countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments
in their capital and equity markets by foreign entities like the Funds. Certain
countries require governmental approval prior to foreign investments, or limit
the amount of foreign investment in a particular company, or limit the
investment to only a specific class of securities of a company that may have
less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for purchase by
nationals. Moreover, the national policies of certain countries may restrict
investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national
interests. In addition, some countries require governmental approval for the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales
by foreign investors. A Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a
refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well
as by the application to it of other restrictions on investments. In particular,
restrictions on repatriation could make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain
cash necessary to satisfy the tax distribution requirements that must be
satisfied in order for the Fund to avoid federal income or excise tax.
 
  FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. Each Fund may purchase
securities on a when-issued or purchase or sell securities on a forward
commitment basis including "TBA" (to be announced) purchase and sale
commitments. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or
sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price
of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date
when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are
fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and
forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party,
and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.
 
  When-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions enable a Fund to
lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular
security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates.
For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the Fund
might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its
exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising
prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a
similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining
the benefit of currently higher yields.
 
  The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis
and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation
of the Fund's net asset value starting on the date of the agreement to purchase
the securities. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has
committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement
date. When the Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the
proceeds to
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   50
 
be received upon settlement are included in the Fund's assets. Fluctuations in
the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Fund's
net asset value as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement
of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes
place within two months after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may
agree to a longer settlement period.
 
  A Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell
securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing
the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed
advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of
or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. The Fund also may sell
securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to
the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in
connection with these transactions.
 
  When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis,
the Funds' custodian bank will maintain in a segregated account, cash or liquid
assets having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the
Fund's purchase commitments. In the case of a forward commitment to sell
portfolio securities, the custodian will hold the portfolio securities
themselves in a segregated account while the commitment is outstanding. These
procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets
at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward
commitments.
 
MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
   
  MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Harbor Bond and Harbor Short Duration Funds
may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-
through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC")
pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and
stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), and other types of
"Mortgage-Backed Securities" that may be available in the future.
    
 
  GUARANTEED MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through
securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage
loans and are issued by U.S. Governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but
not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), the
Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for timely payment of principal
and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by
Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and
timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Freddie Mac
certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the
U.S. Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of
all principal of the related mortgage loans.
 
  Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance
companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create
pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may,
in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage
loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Because
there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in
pools created by such non-governmental issuers, they generally offer a higher
rate of interest than government and government-related pools. Timely payment of
interest and principal of these pools may be supported by insurance or
guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and
letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental
entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. There can be no assurance
that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the
insurance policies or guarantee arrangements.
 
  Mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees may be purchased
if the Subadviser determines that the securities meet a Fund's quality
standards. Mortgage-related securities issued by certain private organizations
may not be readily marketable.
 
  MULTIPLE-CLASS PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS. CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be
issued by, among others, U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities as well
as private issuers. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes
and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among
the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of
CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   51
 
its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
 
  Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as
whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is
provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged
assets and any reinvestment income thereon.
 
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. SMBS are derivative multiple-class
mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that
receive different proportions of interest and principal distributions on a pool
of mortgage assets. A typical SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal, while the other class will receive most of
the interest and the remaining principal. In the most extreme case, one class
will receive all of the interest (the "interest only" class) while the other
class will receive all of the principal (the "principal only" class). The yields
and market risk of interest only and principal only SMBS, respectively, may be
more volatile than those of other fixed income securities. The staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") considers privately issued SMBS to be
illiquid.
 
  RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Investing in
Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a
counterparty to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the
effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the
lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those
associated with investing in equity securities. However, due to adverse tax
consequences under current tax laws, the Funds do not intend to acquire
"residual" interests in REMICs. Further, the yield characteristics of Mortgage-
Backed Securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The
major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal
payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the
possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than
their final distribution dates.
 
  Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest
rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its
investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect
governmental, agency or other guarantee. When a Fund reinvests amounts
representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may obtain a
rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less
effective than other types of U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking
in" interest rates.
 
  Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate
will extend the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities. This
possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life
of a Mortgage-Backed Security increases the risk of depreciation due to future
increases in market interest rates.
 
   
  ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Harbor Bond and Harbor Short Duration Funds may
invest in securities that represent individual interests in pools of consumer
loans and trade receivables similar in structure to Mortgage-Backed Securities.
The assets are securitized either in a pass-through structure (similar to a
mortgage pass-through structure) or in a pay-through structure (similar to a CMO
structure). Although the collateral supporting asset-backed securities generally
is of a shorter maturity than mortgage loans and historically has been less
likely to experience substantial prepayments, no assurance can be given as to
the actual maturity of an asset-backed security because prepayments of principal
may be made at any time. Payments of principal and interest typically are
supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety
bond, limited guarantee by another entity or having a priority to certain of the
borrower's other securities. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and
generally applies to only a fraction of the asset-backed security's par value
until exhausted. If the credit enhancement of an asset-backed security held by a
Fund has been exhausted, and if any required payments of principal and interest
are not made with respect to the underlying loans, a Fund may experience losses
or delays in receiving payment.
    
 
  Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their
stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of
prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining
interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   52
 
asset-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, a Fund's
ability to maintain positions in these securities will be affected by reductions
in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its
ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to
generally prevailing interest rates at that time.
 
  Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors on such
receivables are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
Automobile receivables generally are secured, but by automobiles rather than
residential real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the
loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the
servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that
the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles
involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the
trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper
security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the
possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be
available to support payments on these securities.
 
   
  Harbor Money Market Fund may invest in asset-backed securities if the
securities meet the maturity and credit characteristics applicable to money
market funds.
    
 
   
  RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SPECIFIC TYPES OF DERIVATIVE DEBT SECURITIES. Harbor
Money Market Fund does not invest in the following types of derivative debt
securities. Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to
different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk.
Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are
subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the
magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged Mortgage-Backed
Securities.
    
 
  The risk of early prepayments is the primary risk associated with interest
only debt securities ("IOs"), leveraged floating rate securities whose yield
changes in the same direction as, rather than inversely to, a referenced
interest rate ("superfloaters"), other leveraged floating rate instruments and
Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a premium to their par value. In some
instances, early prepayments may result in a complete loss of investment in
certain of these securities.
 
  The primary risks associated with certain other derivative debt securities are
the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising
interest rates. These securities include floating rate securities based on the
Cost of Funds Index ("COFI floaters"), other "lagging rate" floating rate
securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate
("capped floaters"), Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a discount,
leveraged inverse floating rate securities ("inverse floaters"), principal only
debt securities ("POs"), certain residual or support tranches of CMOs and index
amortizing notes. Index amortizing notes are not Mortgage-Backed Securities, but
are subject to extension risk resulting from the issuer's failure to exercise
its option to call or redeem the notes before their stated maturity date.
Leveraged inverse IOs combine several elements of the Mortgage-Backed Securities
described above and thus present an especially intense combination of
prepayment, extension and interest rate risks.
 
  Planned amortization class ("PAC") and target amortization class ("TAC") CMO
bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risks
than other Mortgage-Backed Securities, provided that prepayment rates remain
within expected prepayment ranges or "collars." To the extent that the
prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support
tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment, extension and interest
rate risks associated with the underlying mortgage assets.
 
  Other types of floating rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced to below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to depreciation in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates. X-reset
floaters have a coupon that remains fixed for more than one accrual period.
Thus, the type of risk involved in these securities depends on the terms of each
individual X-reset floater.
 
  OPTIONS ON SECURITIES, SECURITIES INDICES AND CURRENCY. Harbor Money Market
Fund is not authorized to engage in any options transactions. Harbor Value Fund
is not authorized to engage in options transactions on currency. The aggregate
value of premiums paid by a Fund for all options transactions may not exceed 20%
of that Fund's net assets. Otherwise, a Fund may purchase and write (sell) call
and put options on any
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   53
 
securities in which it may invest, on any securities index based on securities
in which it may invest or on any currency in which Fund investments may be
denominated. These options may be listed on national domestic securities
exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter
market. Each Fund may write covered put and call options and purchase put and
call options to enhance total return, as a substitute for the purchase or sale
of securities or currency, or to protect against declines in the value of
portfolio securities and against increases in the cost of securities to be
acquired.
 
  Writing Covered Options. A call option on securities or currency written by a
Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities or currency to the holder
of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before
the expiration date. A put option on securities or currency written by a Fund
obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities or currency from the option
holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. Options on securities indices are similar to options on
securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash
settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather
than price fluctuations in a single security. Writing covered call options may
deprive a Fund of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price
of the securities or foreign currency assets in its portfolio. Writing covered
put options may deprive a Fund of the opportunity to profit from a decrease in
the market price of the securities or foreign currency assets to be acquired for
its portfolio.
 
  All call and put options written by the Funds are covered. A written call
option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid
securities, either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a
segregated account maintained by the Fund's custodian with a value at least
equal to the Fund's obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an
offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or
any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces
the Fund's net exposure on its written option position. A written call option on
securities is typically covered by maintaining the securities that are subject
to the option in a segregated account. A Fund may cover call options on a
securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be
similar to those of the underlying index.
 
  A Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations
under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are
referred to as "closing purchase transactions."
 
  Purchasing Options. A Fund would normally purchase call options in
anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease
("protective puts"), in the market value of securities or currencies of the type
in which it may invest. A Fund may also sell call and put options to close out
its purchased options.
 
  The purchase of a call option would entitle a Fund, in return for the premium
paid, to purchase specified securities or currency at a specified price during
the option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a
call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities or
currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on
the purchase of the call option.
 
  The purchase of a put option would entitle a Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to sell specified securities or currency at a specified price during the
option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge
against a decline in the market value of a Fund's portfolio securities or the
currencies in which they are denominated. Put options may also be purchased by a
Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of
securities or currencies which it does not own. A Fund would ordinarily realize
a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities or
currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium
and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss
on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put
options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities.
 
  Each Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by
each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in
each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges,
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   54
 
boards of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or
more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which
a Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by
other investment advisory clients of the Subadviser. An exchange, board of trade
or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
 
  Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a
liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for
any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If a Fund is
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options
it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
currencies or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options
expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing
sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction
costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.
 
  Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include
the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions
or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the
secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
  A Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than
with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The
Subadviser will determine the liquidity of each over-the-counter option in
accordance with guidelines adopted by the Trustees.
 
  The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options
depends in part on the Subadviser's ability to predict future price fluctuations
and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the options and
securities or currency markets.
 
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Harbor Money Market Fund
is not authorized to enter into futures contracts or engage in options
transactions with respect to futures contracts. Harbor Value Fund is not
authorized to enter into currency futures contracts and options on such
contracts. Otherwise, to seek to increase total return or hedge against changes
in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates, a Fund may
purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write
call and put options on these futures contracts. A Fund may also enter into
closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of these contracts
and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as
U.S. Government securities), securities indices, foreign currencies and any
other financial instruments and indices. All futures contracts entered into by
the Funds are traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or boards of trade that are
licensed, regulated or approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC").
 
  Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an
agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments
or currencies for an agreed price for a designated period (or to deliver the
final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or
otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the
contract).
 
  Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but
are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a
profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually
be liquidated in this manner, a Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the
underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous
to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures
contracts are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will
be performed on the settlement date.
 
  Hedging and Other Strategies. Hedging is an attempt to establish with more
certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   55
 
return on portfolio securities or securities that a Fund proposes to acquire or
the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or
denominated. When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, a
Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio
securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are
falling or securities prices are rising, a Fund, through the purchase of futures
contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be
available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. A Fund may seek
to offset anticipated changes in the value of a currency in which its portfolio
securities, or securities that it intends to purchase, are quoted or denominated
by purchasing and selling futures contracts on such currencies.
 
  A Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by
selling futures contracts in an attempt to hedge against an anticipated rise in
interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that
would adversely affect the dollar value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such
futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities
held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the
Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, a Fund may sell futures contracts on any
currencies in which its portfolio securities are quoted or denominated or in one
currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in
a different currency if there is an established historical pattern of
correlation between the two currencies.
 
  If, in the opinion of the relevant Subadviser, there is a sufficient degree of
correlation between price trends for a Fund's portfolio securities and futures
contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other
indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its
hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in a
Fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures
contracts, the Subadviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility
difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any differential by
having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by
attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the
Fund's portfolio securities.
 
  When a short hedging position is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in
the value of a Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a
decline in the value of the futures position.
 
  On other occasions, a Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable
market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available. A Fund may
also purchase futures contracts as a substitute for transactions in securities
or foreign currency, to alter the investment characteristics of or currency
exposure associated with portfolio securities or to gain or increase its
exposure to a particular securities market or currency.
 
  OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Except as noted above, under the caption
"Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts," a Fund may purchase and
write options on futures for the same purposes as its transactions in futures
contracts. The purchase of put and call options on futures contracts will give a
Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to
purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the
option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, a Fund
obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable
direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price
movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
 
  The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which
may partially offset a decline in the value of a Fund's assets. By writing a
call option, a Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium (upon
exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised,
which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing
of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially
offset an increase in the price of securities that a Fund intends to purchase.
However, the Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a
futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than
the exercise price. The loss incurred by a Fund in writing options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received.
 
  The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option of the same series. There
is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. A Fund's ability
to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid market.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   56
 
  OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions either for bona fide hedging purposes or to seek to increase total
return as permitted by the CFTC. To the extent that a Fund is using futures and
related options for hedging purposes, futures contracts will be sold to protect
against a decline in the price of securities (or the currency in which they are
quoted or denominated) that the Fund owns or futures contracts will be purchased
to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities (or the
currency in which they are quoted or denominated) it intends to purchase. Each
Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and
options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments which
it expects to purchase. As evidence of its hedging intent, each Fund expects
that on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or option
position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have
purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of
related securities or assets denominated in the related currency in the cash
market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out. However,
in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for a Fund to do so, a
long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire without the
corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.
 
  To the extent that a Fund engages in nonhedging transactions in futures
contracts and options on futures, the aggregate initial margin and premiums
required to establish these nonhedging positions will not exceed 5% of the net
asset value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized
profits and losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which such
options were in-the-money at the time of purchase. Each Fund will engage in
transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such
transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code for maintaining
its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax
purposes.
 
  Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
establish with the custodian a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and
options.
 
  While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. For
example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency
exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for a Fund than if it
had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
 
  Perfect correlation between a Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions
will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon
individual securities, except certain U.S. Government securities. The only
futures contracts available to hedge the Funds' portfolios are various futures
on U.S. Government securities, securities indices and foreign currencies. In the
event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio
position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be
obtained and a Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. In addition, it is not
possible to hedge fully or protect against currency fluctuations affecting the
value of securities denominated in foreign currencies because the value of such
securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent factors not related
to currency fluctuations.
 
  Some futures contracts or options on futures may become illiquid under adverse
market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity
exchange may suspend or limit trading in a futures contract or related option,
which may make the instrument temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price
of a futures contract or related option can vary from the previous day's
settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that
day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent a Fund from closing out
positions and limiting its losses.
 
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund, except Harbor Money Market Fund, may
engage in foreign currency exchange transactions. Foreign currency exchange
transactions will be conducted either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot
rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering
into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. Each Fund may
enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect
against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates and
Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may also enter forward foreign
currency exchange contracts for non-hedging purposes. A forward foreign currency
exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
at a future date, which may be any fixed
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   57
 
number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed
upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts
are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually
large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no
deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do
realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which
they are buying and selling various currencies.
 
  A Fund may enter into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the
security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a
fixed amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying security transactions, the Fund will be able to protect itself
against a possible loss. Such loss would result from an adverse change in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period
between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on
which payment is made or received.
 
  When a Subadviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country
may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may also enter into
a forward contract to sell the amount of foreign currency for a fixed amount of
dollars which approximates the value of some or all of the relevant Fund's
portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching
of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will
not generally be possible, since the future value of such securities in foreign
currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of
those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the
date it matures.
 
  Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may also engage in
cross-hedging by using foreign contracts in one currency to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if
the Fund's Subadviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between
the two currencies. Each of Harbor Bond Fund and Harbor Short Duration Fund may
also purchase and sell forward contracts for non-hedging purposes when its
Subadviser anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate
in value, but securities in that currency do not present attractive investment
opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio.
 
  When a Fund enters into foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging
purposes, it will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain
a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate the Fund
to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency. At the
consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may either make delivery of the
foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver by
purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase the same amount of
such foreign currency at the same maturity date. If the Fund chooses to make
delivery of the foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such currency
through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through
conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. If the Fund engages
in an offsetting transaction, it will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that
there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase
transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually made with the
currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.
 
  A Fund will only enter transactions in forward contracts when deemed
appropriate by its Subadviser. The Funds generally will not enter into a forward
contract with a term of greater than one year. Each Fund may experience delays
in the settlement of its foreign currency transactions.
 
  A Fund will place cash which is not available for investment, or liquid
securities (denominated in the foreign currency subject to the forward contract)
in a separate account. The amounts in such separate account will equal the value
of the Fund's total assets which are committed to the consummation of foreign
currency exchange contracts entered into as a hedge against a decline in the
value of a particular foreign currency. If the value of the securities placed in
the separate account declines, the Fund will place additional cash or securities
in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account will equal the
amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts.
 
  Using forward contracts to protect the value of a Fund's portfolio securities
against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in
the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of
exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise
projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and
short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion
of a Fund's foreign assets.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   58
 
  While a Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to
reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve
certain other risks. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a
poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such
transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between a Fund's
portfolio holdings of securities denominated in a particular currency and
forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause
a Fund to sustain losses which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete
hedge or expose the Fund to risk of foreign exchange loss.
 
  An issuer of fixed income securities purchased by Harbor Bond Fund or Harbor
Short Duration Fund may be domiciled in a country other than the country in
whose currency the instrument is denominated. The Fund may also invest in debt
securities denominated in the European Currency Unit ("ECU"), which is a
"basket" consisting of a specified amount, in the currencies of certain of the
member states of the European Community. The specific amounts of currencies
comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of the European
Community from time to time to reflect changes in relative values of the
underlying currencies. In addition, the Fund may invest in securities
denominated in other currency "baskets."
 
  A Fund's activities in foreign currency contracts, currency futures contracts
and related options and currency options may be limited by the requirements of
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code for qualification as a regulated
investment company.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal
and interest by the U.S. Government may be acquired by a Fund in the form of
custodial receipts that evidence ownership of future interest payments,
principal payments or both on certain U.S. Treasury notes or bonds. Such notes
and bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial
receipts are known by various names, including "Treasury Receipts," "Treasury
Investment Growth Receipts" ("TIGR's"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities" ("CATS"). A Fund may also invest in separately traded principal and
interest components of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The
principal and interest components of selected securities are traded
independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of
Securities program ("STRIPS"). Under the STRIPS program, the principal and
interest components are individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S.
Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade
the component parts independently.
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
  The following restrictions may not be changed with respect to any Fund without
the approval of the majority of outstanding voting securities of that Fund
(which, under the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder and as used in
the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, means the lesser of
(1) 67% of the shares of that Fund present at a meeting if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund are present in person or by
proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund.) Investment
restrictions that involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not
be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities
or assets of, or borrowings by or on behalf of, a Fund with the exception of
borrowings permitted by Investment Restriction (2) listed below.
 
  Harbor may not, on behalf of any Fund:
 
  (1) with respect to 75% of the total assets of the Fund, purchase the
securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's
total assets (taken at market value) to be invested in the securities of such
issuer, or purchase securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause more
than 10% of the total voting securities of such issuer to be held by the Fund,
except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities;
 
  (2) borrow money, except (a) the Fund may borrow from banks (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up
to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b) the Fund
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of
its total assets for temporary purposes, (c) the Fund may obtain such credit as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities, and (d) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls
which are accounted for as financings. Harbor Money Market Fund is not permitted
to invest in reverse repurchase
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   59
 
agreements and mortgage dollar rolls accounted for as a financing;
 
  (3) act as underwriter of the securities issued by others, except to the
extent that the purchase of securities in accordance with a Fund's investment
objective and policies directly from the issuer thereof and the later
disposition thereof may be deemed to be underwriting;
 
   
  (4) invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one or more
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry
(excluding the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities).
Harbor Money Market Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in the
securities of domestic banks and bank holding companies, including certificates
of deposit and bankers' acceptances;
    
 
  (5) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the Investment Company
Act, and except that Harbor Fund may issue shares of beneficial interest in
multiple series or classes;
 
  (6) purchase, hold or deal in real estate, although the Fund may purchase and
sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities
of real estate investment trusts and mortgage-related securities and may hold
and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities;
 
  (7) generally may not invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except
that the Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts
that are commodities or commodity contracts which are not deemed to be
prohibited commodities or commodities contracts for the purpose of this
restriction;
 
  (8) make loans to other persons, except loans of portfolio securities and
except to the extent that the purchase of debt obligations and the entry into
repurchase agreements in accordance with such Fund's investment objectives and
policies may be deemed to be loans; and
 
  (9) notwithstanding the investment policies and restrictions of a Fund, a Fund
may invest its assets in an open-end management investment company with
substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the
Fund.
 
  In addition to the investment restrictions and policies mentioned above, the
Trustees of Harbor have voluntarily adopted the following policies and
restrictions which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Funds.
These represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances.
They differ from fundamental investment policies in that they may be changed or
amended by action of the Trustees without prior notice to or approval of
shareholders. Accordingly, a Fund may not:
 
          (a) purchase securities on margin (but a Fund may obtain such
     short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchase and
     sales of securities);
 
          (b) make short sales of securities, except as permitted under the
     Investment Company Act;
 
          (c) purchase or sell any put or call options or any combination
     thereof, except that a Fund may (i) purchase and sell or write options on
     any futures contracts in to which it may enter, (ii) purchase put and call
     options on securities, on securities indexes and on currencies, (iii) write
     covered put and call options on securities, securities indices and on
     currencies, and (iv) engage in closing purchase transactions with respect
     to any put or call option purchased or written by a Fund, provided that the
     aggregate value of premiums paid by the Fund for all of such options shall
     not exceed 20% of that Fund's net assets;
 
          (d) acquire put and call options with a market value exceeding 5% of
     the value of a Fund's total assets;
 
          (e) invest more than 15% (10% in the case of Harbor Money Market Fund)
     of the Fund's net assets in illiquid investments including repurchase
     agreements maturing in more than seven days, securities which are not
     readily marketable and restricted securities not eligible for resale
     pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933;
 
          (f) invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control or
     management;
 
          (g) for purposes of fundamental investment restriction no. 4,
     telephone companies are considered to be a separate industry from water,
     gas or electric utilities; personal credit finance companies and business
     credit finance companies are deemed to be separate industries; wholly-owned
     finance companies are considered to be in the industry of their parents if
     their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of their
     parents; and privately issued mortgage-backed securities collateralized by
     mortgages insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
     instrumentalities do not represent interests in any industry.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   60
 
                             TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
   
  Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of Harbor is set forth
below. Trustees and officers deemed to be "interested persons" of Harbor for
purposes of the Investment Company Act are indicated by an asterisk. As of
February 12, 1998, the Trustees and officers of Harbor Fund as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of each of the
Funds.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
       NAME AND ADDRESS                  POSITIONS WITH FUND                        DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                               <C>
Ronald C. Boller*                    Chairman, President               Vice-President-Investments, Owens-Illinois, Inc.
  One SeaGate                        and Trustee                       (May, 1992-Present); Vice President and
  Toledo, OH 43666                                                     Director, Benefit and Risk Finance,
                                                                       Owens-Illinois, Inc. (January, 1991-May, 1992);
                                                                       Vice President and Director, Benefit Finance,
                                                                       Owens-Illinois, Inc. (April, 1988-December,
                                                                       1990); Director and President, Harbor Capital
                                                                       Advisors, Inc. (1983-Present); and Director,
                                                                       President, Treasurer and Secretary of HCA
                                                                       Securities, Inc. ("HCA Securities"); and
                                                                       President, Harbor Transfer, Inc. ("Harbor
                                                                       Transfer").
Howard P. Colhoun                    Trustee                           General Partner, Emerging Growth Partners, L.P.
  401 E. Pratt Street                                                  (investing in small companies) (1982-1996);
  Baltimore, MD 21202                                                  Director, Storage U.S.A. (since 1995); and Vice
                                                                       President and Director of Mutual Funds, T. Rowe
                                                                       Price Associates, Inc. (prior to 1982).
John P. Gould                        Trustee                           Steven G. Rothmeier Professor (since 1996) and
  1101 E. 58th Street                                                  Distinguished Professor of Economics, Graduate
  Chicago, IL 60637                                                    School of Business, University of Chicago (1984-
                                                                       Present); Dean of Graduate School of Business,
                                                                       University of Chicago (1983-1993); Trustee and
                                                                       Chairman Pegasus Funds (1996-Present); Trustee
                                                                       of Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.
                                                                       (1986-Present); and Trustee of First Prairie
                                                                       Funds (1985-1996).
Rodger F. Smith                      Trustee                           Partner, Greenwich Associates (a business
  Office Park Eight                                                    strategy, consulting and research firm) (since
  Greenwich, CT 06830                                                  1975).
Constance L. Souders*                Secretary and                     Senior Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary
  One SeaGate                        Treasurer                         (May, 1992- Present) and Director of
  Toledo, OH 43666                                                     Administration (January, 1997- Present) Harbor
                                                                       Capital Advisors, Inc.; Director of Accounting
                                                                       and Fiduciary Operations, Harbor Capital
                                                                       Advisors, Inc. (May, 1992-1996); Manager,
                                                                       Employee Benefit Plan Asset Administration,
                                                                       Owens-Illinois, Inc. (July, 1988-May, 1992);
                                                                       Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and
                                                                       Director, Harbor Transfer; and Director, HCA
                                                                       Securities.
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------TRUSTEE-COMPENSATION-TABLE-----------------------------------------------
                                                                                 PENSION OR
                                                                                 RETIREMENT                 TOTAL
                                                        AGGREGATE**           BENEFITS ACCRUED          COMPENSATION**
                 NAME OF PERSON,                       COMPENSATION           AS PART OF FUND          FROM REGISTRANT
                     POSITION                         FROM REGISTRANT             EXPENSES             PAID TO TRUSTEES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                     <C>                      <C>
Ronald C. Boller..................................            -0-                   -0-                        -0-
Chairman, President and Trustee
Howard P. Colhoun.................................        $33,000                   -0-                    $33,000
Trustee
John P. Gould.....................................        $33,000                   -0-                    $33,000
Trustee
Rodger F. Smith...................................        $33,000                   -0-                    $33,000
Trustee
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
** As of October 31, 1997.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   61
 
                   THE ADVISER, SUBADVISERS, DISTRIBUTOR AND
                          SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
 
  THE ADVISER. Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the
investment adviser (the "Adviser") for each Fund. The Adviser is responsible to
manage each Fund's assets or to supervise the management of each Fund by one or
more subadvisers (each, a "Subadviser"). Harbor Fund, on behalf of each Fund,
has entered into separate investment advisory agreements (each, an "Investment
Advisory Agreement") each of which provides that the Adviser shall provide the
Fund with investment research, advice and supervision and will furnish
continuously an investment program for the Fund consistent with the investment
objectives and policies of the Fund. The Adviser is responsible for the payment
of the salaries and expenses of all personnel of Harbor Fund except the fees and
expenses of Trustees not affiliated with the Adviser or a Subadviser, office
rent and the expenses of providing investment advisory, research and statistical
facilities and related clerical expenses.
 
  For its services, each Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee which is a stated
percentage of the Fund's average annual net assets. The table below sets forth
for each Fund the advisory fee rate, the fees paid to the Adviser for the past
three fiscal years and the effect of any expense limitation in effect for the
past three fiscal years which reduced the advisory fee paid. Harbor
International Fund II commenced operations on June 1, 1996, therefore no
advisory fees were paid for 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  FEE PAID FOR YEAR ENDED
                                                                                        OCTOBER 31
                                                      ADVISORY FEE          -----------------------------------
                                                      % OF AVERAGE                   ($ IN THOUSANDS)
                      FUND                          ANNUAL NET ASSETS        1997          1996          1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Growth Fund......................................        0.75%              $   758       $   981       $ 1,035
International Growth Fund........................        0.75%                6,241         2,141           656
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                            N/A           N/A           (88)
Capital Appreciation Fund........................        0.60%               13,511         7,627         3,074
International Fund II............................        0.75%                  605            23           N/A
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                           (163)           (8)          N/A
International Fund...............................        0.85%               41,290        31,658        26,319
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                         (2,350)       (1,757)       (1,068)
Value Fund.......................................        0.60%                  826           613           411
Bond Fund........................................        0.70%                2,174         1,722         1,318
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                           (708)         (592)         (471)
Short Duration Fund..............................        0.40%                  651           541           435
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                           (326)         (270)         (218)
Money Market Fund................................        0.30%                  199           187           197
  (Credit due to expense limitation)                                            (80)          (75)          (79)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  THE SUBADVISERS. The Adviser has engaged the services of several subadvisers
(each, a "Subadviser") to assist with the portfolio management of each Fund. The
Subadvisers are:
 
HARBOR GROWTH FUND
     Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc.
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

     Jennison Associates LLC
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND II
     Summit International Investments, Inc.
 
HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FUND
     Northern Cross Investments Limited
 
HARBOR VALUE FUND
     DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.
     Richards & Tierney, Inc.
 
HARBOR BOND FUND
     Pacific Investment Management Company
 
HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND
HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND
     Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   62
 
Additional information about the Subadvisers is set forth in the Prospectus.
 
  The Adviser pays each Subadviser out of its own resources; the Funds have no
obligation to pay the Subadvisers. Each Subadviser has entered into a
subadvisory agreement (each, a "Subadvisory Agreement") with the Adviser and
Harbor Fund, on behalf of each Fund. Each Subadviser is responsible to provide
the Fund with advice concerning the investment management of the Fund's
portfolio, which advice shall be consistent with the investment objectives and
policies of the Fund. The Subadviser determines what securities shall be
purchased, sold or held for the Fund and what portion of the Fund's assets are
held uninvested. Each Subadviser is responsible to bear its own costs of
providing services to the respective Fund. Each Subadviser's subadvisory fee
rate is based on a stated percentage of the Fund's average annual net assets and
is described in the Prospectus. The fees paid by the Adviser to the Subadviser
for the past three years are set forth in the table below. Harbor International
Fund II commenced operations on June 1, 1996, therefore no subadvisory fees were
paid for 1995.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               FEE PAID BY THE ADVISER TO SUBADVISER
                                                                     FOR YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
                                                              ---------------------------------------
                                                                         ($ IN THOUSANDS)
                            FUND                                 1997          1996          1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Growth Fund
  Nicholas Applegate........................................    $   335(d)    $   730       $   776
  Emerging Growth...........................................    $   276(e)    $   N/A       $   N/A
International Growth Fund...................................    $ 4,231       $ 1,498       $   445
Capital Appreciation Fund...................................    $ 4,968       $ 2,993       $ 1,353
International Fund II.......................................    $   423       $    16(c)        N/A
International Fund..........................................    $26,395       $20,755       $17,463
Value Fund
  DRZ.......................................................    $   341       $   271       $   114(b)
  SunBank...................................................    $   N/A       $   N/A       $    83(a)
  Richards & Tierney........................................    $    71       $    58       $    43
Bond Fund...................................................    $   853       $   686       $   536
Short Duration Fund.........................................    $   256       $   220       $   182
Money Market Fund...........................................    $   108       $   104       $   113
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------------------
(a) Paid to SunBank for the period from November 1, 1994 to April 20, 1995.
(b) Fee paid from April 21, 1995 to October 31, 1995.
(c) Paid to Summit International Investments, Inc. for the period from June 1,
    1996 to October 31, 1996.
(d) Paid to Nicholas Applegate for the period from November 1, 1996 to May 1,
    1997.
(e) Paid to Emerging Growth Advisors for the period from May 2, 1997 to October
    31, 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  OTHER INFORMATION. The Investment Advisory Agreements and Subadvisory
Contracts remain in effect initially for a two year term and continue in effect
thereafter only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually
by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and, in either case, by a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of Harbor, the Adviser
or the Subadviser. The Investment Advisory Agreements and Subadvisory Contracts
provide that the Adviser and Subadvisers shall not be liable to a Fund (or the
Adviser, in the case of the Subadvisory Contracts) for any error of judgment by
the Adviser or Subadviser or for any loss sustained by the Fund except in the
case of the Adviser's or Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of duty. Each Investment Advisory Agreement and
Subadvisory Contract also provides that it shall terminate automatically if
assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by either party upon 60 days'
written notice. Harbor Fund and the Adviser have received an order of the SEC
permitting the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to
select Subadvisers to serve as portfolio managers of the Funds or to materially
modify an existing subadvisory contract without obtaining shareholder approval
of a new or amended subadvisory contract. The Adviser has authorized each of its
directors, officers and employees who has been elected or appointed as a Trustee
or officer of Harbor to serve in
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   63
 
the capacities in which he has been elected or appointed. No person other than
the Adviser, the Subadvisers and their respective directors and employees
regularly furnishes advice to the Funds with respect to the desirability of a
Fund's investing in, purchasing or selling securities.
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT. HCA Securities, Inc. (the
"Distributor") acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of each Fund's
shares and continually offers shares of the Funds pursuant to a distribution
agreement approved by the Trustees. The directors of the Distributor are Ronald
C. Boller and Constance L. Souders. Mr. Boller is the President, Treasurer and
Secretary of the Distributor. The Distributor is a Delaware corporation, a
registered broker-dealer and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser.
 
  Harbor Transfer, Inc. (the "Shareholder Servicing Agent") acts as the
shareholder servicing agent for each Fund and in that capacity maintains certain
financial and accounting records of the Funds. Its mailing address is P.O. Box
10048, Toledo, Ohio 43699-0048. The Shareholder Servicing Agent is a Delaware
corporation, a registered transfer agent and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Adviser. The directors of the Shareholder Servicing Agent are Ronald C. Boller
and Constance L. Souders and Mr. Boller is the President. Ms. Souders is Vice
President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Shareholder Servicing Agreement has been
approved by the Trustees of the Fund and provides for annual fees of $45 per
account, per Fund, with a minimum payment of $1,000 per month, per Fund.
 
   
  Harbor Fund has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf
purchase and redemption orders. These brokers are authorized to designate other
intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on Harbor Fund's behalf.
Harbor Fund is deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an
authorized broker or, if applicable, the broker's authorized designee, receives
the order prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Shareholders' orders will be priced at the net asset value per share next
determined after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker's
authorized designee.
    
 
  CODE OF ETHICS. The Board of Trustees has determined that the personnel of
Harbor Fund may engage in personal trading in compliance with general fiduciary
principles which are incorporated into Harbor Fund's Code of Ethics (the
"Code"). The Code substantially complies with Rule 17j-1 under the Investment
Company Act and the recommendations of the staff of the SEC and the Advisory
Group on Personal Investing of the Investment Company Institute with the
following exceptions. The disinterested Trustees of Harbor Fund are not required
to pre-clear personal securities transactions or to submit quarterly reports of
personal securities transactions. Harbor Fund's disinterested Trustees are not
provided with information about the portfolio transactions contemplated for a
Fund or executed for a Fund for a period of 15 days before and after such
transactions.
 
  Because each Subadviser is an entity not otherwise affiliated with Harbor Fund
or the Adviser, the Adviser has delegated responsibility for monitoring the
personal trading activities of the Subadviser's personnel to each Subadviser.
Each Subadviser provides Harbor Fund's Board of Trustees with a quarterly
certification of the Subadviser's compliance with its code of ethics and a
report of any significant violations of its code.
 
                             PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
  Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected by
brokers, and the Funds pay a brokerage commission for this service. In
transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are
negotiated, whereas on many foreign stock exchanges the commissions are fixed.
In the over-the-counter market, securities (e.g., debt securities) are normally
traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts
without a stated commission, although the price of the securities usually
includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are
purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the
underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount.
On occasion, certain money market instruments may be purchased directly from an
issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.
 
  The primary consideration in placing portfolio security transactions with
broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the availability of
execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective manner
possible. The Adviser and each Subadviser attempt to achieve this result by
selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of each
Fund and other clients on the basis of the broker-dealers' professional
capability,
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   64
 
the value and quality of their brokerage services and the level of their
brokerage commissions.
 
  Under each Investment Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Contract and as
permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Adviser
or a Subadviser may cause a Fund to pay a commission to broker-dealers who
provide brokerage and research services to the Adviser or the Subadviser for
effecting a securities transaction for a Fund. Such commission may exceed the
amount other broker-dealers would have charged for the transaction, if the
Adviser or the Subadviser determines in good faith that the greater commission
is reasonable relative to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided by the executing broker-dealer viewed in terms of either a particular
transaction or the Adviser's or Subadviser's overall responsibilities to the
Funds or to its other clients. The term "brokerage and research services"
includes advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in,
purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or of
purchasers or sellers of securities, furnishing analyses and reports concerning
issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy
and the performance of accounts, and effecting securities transactions and
performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement.
 
  Although commissions paid on every transaction will, in the judgment of the
Adviser or the Subadviser, be reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage services provided, commissions exceeding those which another broker
might charge may be paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute
transactions on behalf of the Funds and the Adviser's or Subadviser's other
clients in part for providing advice as to the availability of securities or of
purchasers or sellers of securities and services in effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and
settlement.
 
  Research provided by brokers is used for the benefit of all of the clients of
the Adviser or a Subadviser and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the
Funds. The Adviser's and each Subadviser's investment management personnel
attempt to evaluate the quality of research provided by brokers. Results of this
effort are sometimes used by the Adviser or a Subadviser as a consideration in
the selection of brokers to execute portfolio transactions.
 
  In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for a Fund's
portfolio as well as for that of another Fund or one or more of the other
clients of the Adviser or a Subadviser. Investment decisions for a Fund and for
the Adviser's or Subadviser's other clients are made with a view to achieving
their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular
security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by,
or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be
bought for one or more clients when one or more other clients are selling that
same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several
clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly
when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than
one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase
or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a
manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases
this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the
security in a particular transaction as far as a Fund is concerned. Harbor Fund
believes that over time its ability to participate in volume transactions will
produce better executions for the Funds.
 
  The investment advisory fee that the Funds pay to the Adviser will not be
reduced as a consequence of the Adviser's or Subadviser's receipt of brokerage
and research services. To the extent a Fund's portfolio transactions are used to
obtain such services, the brokerage commissions paid by the Fund will exceed
those that might otherwise be paid, by an amount which cannot be presently
determined. Such services would be useful and of value to the Adviser or a
Subadviser in serving both the Funds and other clients and, conversely, such
services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients would
be useful to the Adviser or a Subadviser in carrying out its obligations to the
Funds.
 
   
  As of October 31, 1997, the following securities of regular brokers or
dealers, or their parents, with which the Funds regularly conduct business were
held by the Harbor International Fund II: securities of ING Groep, affiliated
with Baring Securities, were valued at $1,679,000 and securities of Jardine
Matheson and Jardine International Motors affiliated with Jardine Fleming were
valued at $3,564,000 and by the Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund: securities of
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover and Co. were valued at $49,991,000.
    
 
  Harbor Bond Fund, Harbor Short Duration Fund and Harbor Money Market Fund paid
no brokerage commissions during the past three fiscal years. Harbor
International Fund II commenced operations on June 1, 1996, therefore no
brokerage commissions were paid in 1995.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   65
 
  For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996 and October 31,
1995, each of the following Funds paid brokerage commissions as follows ($ in
thousands):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       HARBOR       HARBOR CAPITAL       HARBOR           HARBOR
                                        HARBOR      INTERNATIONAL    APPRECIATION    INTERNATIONAL    INTERNATIONAL      HARBOR
                                      GROWTH FUND    GROWTH FUND         FUND           FUND II            FUND        VALUE FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Total Brokerage
  Commissions Paid
    Year ended 10/31/97..............  $    310        $  3,975       $    3,105        $   773         $    1,644      $    498
    Year ended 10/31/96..............       239           1,636            1,952             58              1,799           346
    Year ended 10/31/95..............       304             360            1,014            N/A                860           278
Total Brokerage Commissions Paid to
  Brokers Who Provided Research
    Year ended 10/31/97..............  $    158        $  3,975       $    1,046        $   773         $    1,644      $    292
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
 
  The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined by the Funds'
Custodian after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 4 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day when the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following
holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day as observed, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
 
  Portfolio securities of each Fund, except Harbor Money Market Fund, are valued
as follows: (a) stocks which are traded on any U.S. stock exchange or the
National Association of Securities Dealers NASDAQ System ("NASDAQ") are valued
at the last sale price on that exchange or NASDAQ on the valuation day or, if no
sale occurs, at the mean between the closing bid and closing asked price; (b)
over-the-counter stocks not quoted on NASDAQ are valued at the last sale price
on the valuation day or, if no sale occurs, at the mean between the last bid and
the asked prices; (c) securities listed or traded on foreign exchanges
(including foreign exchanges whose operations are similar to the U.S.
over-the-counter market) are valued at the last sale price on that exchange on
the valuation day or, if no sale occurs, at the official bid price (both the
last sale price and the official bid price are determined as of the close of the
London Stock Exchange); (d) debt securities are valued at prices supplied by a
pricing agent selected by the Adviser or Subadviser, which prices reflect
broker/dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques if
those prices are deemed by the Adviser or Subadviser to be representative of
market values at the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange; (e)
options and futures contracts are valued at the last sale price on the market
where any such option or futures contract is principally traded; (f) forward
foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at their respective fair market
values determined on the basis of the mean between the last current bid and
asked prices based on quotations supplied to a pricing service by independent
dealers; and (g) all other securities and other assets, including debt
securities, for which prices are supplied by a pricing agent but are not deemed
by the Adviser or Subadviser to be representative of market values, or for which
prices are not available, but excluding money market instruments with a
remaining maturity of 60 days or less and including restricted securities and
securities for which no market quotation is available, are valued at fair value
as determined in good faith by the Trustees, although the actual calculation may
be done by others. Money market instruments held by the Funds with a remaining
maturity of 60 days or less will be valued by the amortized cost method.
 
  Portfolio securities of Harbor Money Market Fund are valued at their amortized
cost, which does not take into account unrealized securities gains or losses.
While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods
during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the
price Harbor Money Market Fund would receive if it sold the instrument. During
periods of declining interest rates, the quoted yield on shares of Harbor Money
Market Fund may tend to be higher than a like computation made by a fund with
identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices
and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio instruments. Thus, if
the use of amortized cost by Harbor Money Market Fund resulted in a lower
aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor in Harbor
Money Market Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   66
 
higher yield if he or she purchased shares of Harbor
Money Market Fund on that day, than would result from investment in a fund
utilizing solely market values, and existing investors in Harbor Money Market
Fund would receive less investment income. The converse would apply in a period
of rising interest rates.
 
  Portfolio securities traded on more than one U.S. national securities exchange
or foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business
day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange
representing the principal market for such securities. The value of all assets
and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S.
dollar values at the mean between the buying and selling rates of such
currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by any major bank. If such
quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in good
faith by or under procedures established by the Trustees.
 
  Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
over-the-counter markets is normally completed well before the close of business
on each business day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European or Far Eastern securities
trading generally or in a particular country or countries may not take place on
all business days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in Japanese
markets on certain Saturdays and in various foreign markets on days which are
not business days in New York and on which the Funds' net asset values are not
calculated. Such calculation does not take place contemporaneously with the
determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities used in
such calculation. Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur
between the time their prices are determined and the close of the regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange will not be reflected in the Funds'
calculation of net asset values unless the Fund's valuation committee deems that
the particular event would materially affect net asset value, in which case an
adjustment will be made.
 
  The proceeds received by each Fund for each issue or sale of its shares, and
all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof,
subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to such
Fund and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund. The underlying assets of
each Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with
the liabilities in respect to such Fund and with a share of the general
liabilities of Harbor Fund. Expenses with respect to any two or more Funds are
to be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective Funds
except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   67
 
                       PERFORMANCE AND YIELD INFORMATION
 
  From time to time, quotations of Harbor Money Market Fund's "yield" and
"effective yield" may be included in advertisements and communications to
shareholders. These performance figures are calculated in the following manner:
 
          A. Yield--the net annualized yield based on a specified 7-calendar day
     period calculated at simple interest rates. Yield is calculated by
     determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a
     hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one share at the
     beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
     deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the
     value of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base
     period return. The yield is annualized by multiplying the base period
     return by 365/7. The yield figure is stated to the nearest hundredth of one
     percent. The yield of Harbor Money Market Fund for the seven-day period
     ended October 31, 1997 was 5.3%.
 
          B. Effective Yield--the net annualized yield for a specified
     7-calendar day period assuming a reinvestment of dividends (compounding).
     Effective yield is calculated by the same method as yield except that the
     base period return is compounded by adding 1, raising the sum to a power
     equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from the result, according to
     the following formula: Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return + 1) (365) L
     7] -1. The effective yield of Harbor Money Market Fund for the seven-day
     period ended October 31, 1997 was 5.4%.
 
  As described above, yield and effective yield are based on historical earnings
and are not intended to indicate future performance. Yield and effective yield
will vary based on changes in market conditions and the level of expenses.
 
  The average annual total return of each Fund is determined for a particular
period by calculating the actual dollar amount of the investment return on a
$1,000 investment in the Fund made at the maximum public offering price (i.e.,
net asset value) at the beginning of the period, and then calculating the annual
compounded rate of return which would produce that amount. Total return for a
period of one year is equal to the actual return of the Fund during that period.
This calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   68
 
  The average annual total return for each Fund for the one-year period,
five-year period and since inception to October 31, 1997, was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      YEAR             5-YEAR PERIOD           10-YEAR PERIOD
                                     ENDED                 ENDED                   ENDED                INCEPTION TO
FUND                                10/31/97            10/31/97(1)             10/31/97(1)             10/31/97(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                <C>                     <C>                      <C>
Harbor Growth Fund..............     18.64%                14.70%                  13.57%                  12.58%
Harbor International Growth
  Fund..........................      8.13%                  N/A                     N/A                   13.98%
Harbor Capital Appreciation
  Fund..........................     35.73%                21.87%                    N/A                   19.90%
Harbor International Fund II....     16.64%                  N/A                     N/A                   15.15%
Harbor International Fund.......     19.26%                19.62%                    N/A                   17.54%
Harbor Value Fund...............     31.08%                18.04%                    N/A                   15.77%
Harbor Bond Fund................      8.96%                 8.19%                    N/A                    9.76%
Harbor Short Duration Fund......      5.48%                 5.44%                    N/A                    5.30%
Harbor Money Market Fund........      5.11%                 4.41%                    N/A                    5.58%
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(1) Inception date for Harbor Growth Fund, 11/19/86; Harbor Short Duration Fund,
    1/1/92; Harbor International Growth Fund, 11/1/93; Harbor International Fund
    II, 6/1/96; and all other Funds, 12/29/87.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  The performance data quoted represents historical performance and the
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost.
 
  The yield of each Fund, except Harbor Money Market Fund, is computed by
dividing its net investment income earned during a recent thirty-day period by
the product of the average daily number of shares outstanding and entitled to
receive dividends during the period and maximum offering price (i.e., net asset
value) per share on the last day of the period. The results are compounded on a
bond equivalent (semi-annual) basis and then annualized. Net investment income
per share is equal to the Fund's dividends and interest earned during the
period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period. Because yield accounting
methods differ from the methods used for other accounting purposes, a Fund's
yield may not equal the income paid to a shareholder's account or the income
reported in a Fund's financial statements.
 
  For the 30-day period ended October 31, 1997, the yield of Harbor Bond Fund
was 5.84%. If there had been no reduction of fees, the yield of Harbor Bond Fund
would have been 5.60% for the 30-day period ended October 31, 1997.
 
  For the 30-day period October 31, 1997, the yield of Harbor Short Duration
Fund was 5.18%. If there had been no reduction of fees, the yield of Harbor
Short Duration Fund would have been 4.97% for the 30-day period ended October
31, 1997.
 
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS
 
  The Funds may compare their performance to other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives and to the mutual fund industry as a whole, as quoted by
ranking services and publications of general interest. For example, these
services or publications may include Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.,
Schabacker's Total Investment Service, CDA Technologies, SEI, Frank Russell
Trust, Barron's Business Week, Changing Times, Donoghue's Money Fund Report, The
Financial Times, Financial World, Forbes, Investor's Daily, Money, Morningstar
Mutual Funds, Personal Investor, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal,
Individual Investor, Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street, Financial World, and USA
Today. These ranking services and publications rank the performance of the Funds
against all other funds over specified periods and against funds in specified
categories.
 
  The Funds may also either include presentations of, or may compare their
performance to, a recognized stock or bond index, including, but not limited to,
the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia and Far East (EAFE),
Standard & Poor's 500, Standard & Poor's Mid-Cap, Russell 3000 Value, Value
Line, Dow Jones, and NASDAQ stock indices and the Lehman Brothers Aggregate and
Salomon bond indices. The comparative material found in advertisements, sales
literature, or in reports to shareholders may contain past or present
performance ratings. This is not to be considered representative or indicative
of future results or future performance.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   69
 
                                TAX INFORMATION
 
  Each Fund is treated as a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes.
 
  Distributions from net investment income of Harbor Growth Fund, Harbor Capital
Appreciation Fund and Harbor Value Fund may qualify in part for a 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporations. The dividends-received deduction
is reduced to the extent that shares of the payor of the dividend or a Fund are
treated as debt-financed under the Code and is eliminated if such shares are
deemed to have been held for less than a minimum period, generally 46 days,
extending before and after each dividend. Amounts eligible for the deduction may
still be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and result in
adjustments in the tax basis of Fund shares (and, to the extent such basis would
be reduced below zero, require the current recognition of income) under certain
circumstances.
 
  As a result of federal tax legislation enacted on August 5, 1997 (the "Act"),
gain recognized after May 6, 1997 from the sale of a capital asset is taxable to
individual (noncorporate) investors at different maximum federal income tax
rates, depending generally upon the tax holding period for the asset, the
federal income tax bracket of the taxpayer, and the dates the asset was acquired
and/or sold. The Treasury Department has issued guidance under the Act that
(subject to possible modification by future "technical corrections" legislation)
will enable each Fund to pass through to its shareholders the benefits of the
capital gains rates enacted in the Act. Each Fund will provide appropriate
information to its shareholders about the tax rate(s) applicable to its
distributions from its long-term capital gains in accordance with this and any
future guidance. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on the
correct application of these new rules in their particular circumstances.
 
  If any Fund that is permitted to acquire stock of foreign corporations
acquires an equity interest in a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), it
could become liable for a tax upon the receipt of certain distributions from, or
the disposition of its investment in, the PFIC. Because a credit for this tax
could not be passed through to such Fund's shareholders, the tax would in effect
reduce the Fund's economic return from its PFIC investment. An election may
generally be available to these Funds that would ameliorate this adverse tax
consequence, in which case these Funds might not be required to limit
investments in passive foreign investment companies or take other defensive
actions with respect to such investments. However, investment in a PFIC could
also require these Funds' to recognize income (which would have to be
distributed to the Fund's shareholders to avoid a tax on the Funds) without any
distribution from the PFIC of cash corresponding to such income and could result
in the treatment of capital gains as ordinary income.
 
  The federal income tax rules applicable to certain investments or transactions
within each Fund are unclear in certain respects, and a Fund will be required to
account for these investments or transactions under tax rules in a manner that,
under certain circumstances, may affect the amount, timing or character of its
distribution to shareholders. Each Fund will monitor these investments or
transactions to seek to ensure that it continues to comply with the tax
requirements necessary to maintain its status as a regulated investment company.
 
  Due to certain adverse tax consequences, the Funds do not intend, absent a
change in applicable law, to acquire residual interests in REMICs.
 
  Each Fund will be subject to a four percent non-deductible federal excise tax
on certain amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed)
on a timely basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements.
The Funds intend under normal circumstances to seek to avoid liability for such
tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
 
  Provided that a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company under the
Code, such Fund will be exempt from Delaware corporation income tax. As
regulated investment companies, the Funds will also be exempt from the Ohio
corporation franchise tax and the Ohio tax on dealers in intangibles, although
certain reporting requirements, which have been waived in the past, may in the
future have to be satisfied as a prerequisite for this Ohio tax exemption.
 
  All or a portion of any loss realized on a redemption of shares may be
disallowed or recharacterized under tax rules relating to wash sales or
redemptions of shares held for six months or less.
 
  Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions
and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and
certain prohibited transactions is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   70
 
  The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes
of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions, and ownership of or gains
realized on the exchange or redemption of shares of the Funds may also be
subject to state, local or foreign taxes. In some states, a state and/or local
tax exemption may be available to the extent distributions of a Fund are
attributable to the interest it receives on direct obligations of the U.S.
Government or, in the case of property taxes, to the extent the value of the
shares of a Fund owned by a shareholder who is subject to tax in such state is
attributable to such obligations. The Funds are not required to, and may not,
provide reports, returns, or other information that may be required for
shareholders in particular states to obtain any state tax or other benefits in
such states. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the
federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund in
their particular circumstances.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   71
 
                        ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
 
  GENERAL. Harbor is an open-end investment company established as a
Massachusetts business trust in 1986 and reorganized as a Delaware business
trust in 1993. Harbor Growth Fund commenced operations on November 19, 1986.
Harbor International Fund, Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund, Harbor Value Fund,
Harbor Bond Fund, and Harbor Money Market Fund each commenced operations on
December 29, 1987. Harbor Short Duration Fund commenced operations on January 1,
1992. Harbor International Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 1993.
Harbor International Fund II commenced operations on June 1, 1996. Costs
incurred by Harbor in connection with the organization and initial registration
and public offering of the shares of Harbor International Growth Fund and Harbor
International Fund II which total, respectively, approximately $33,000 and
$23,052, are being amortized over a five-year period beginning on November 1,
1993 and June 1, 1996 respectively.
 
   
  As of February 12, 1998, each of the following persons beneficially owned five
percent or more of the voting securities of each such Fund. Except as noted, the
address of each such beneficial owner is One SeaGate, Toledo, Ohio 43666.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        HARBOR          HARBOR
                                            HARBOR   INTERNATIONAL     CAPITAL         HARBOR          HARBOR       HARBOR   HARBOR
                                            GROWTH      GROWTH       APPRECIATION   INTERNATIONAL   INTERNATIONAL   VALUE     BOND
              NAME OF OWNER                  FUND        FUND            FUND          FUND II          FUND         FUND     FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>      <C>
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
  Omnibus Account Registration
  101 Montgomery Street
  San Francisco, CA
  94104-4122..............................    --           10%            17%            21%             16%          --       14%
Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette
  SEC Corp. Inc. Reinvest Account
  c/o Transfer Dept. - 7th Floor
  P.O. Box 2052
  Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052..............    --           --             --             --              --           --        6%
HCR Master Retirement Trust...............     5%          --             --             --              --            7%      --
Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc..............    --           --             --             --              --           --       --
Jupiter & Co.
  c/o Investors Bank & Trust Co.
  P.O. Box 1537 TOP57
  Boston, MA 02205-1537...................    --           --             --              6%             --           --       --
Maryland State
  Retirement Agency
  301 West Preston Street
  Baltimore, MD 21201-2363................    --           --             --             --               7%          --       --
Med America Health
  1 Wyoming Street
  Dayton, OH 45409........................    --           --             --              6%             --           --       --
Northern Trust TTEE
  FBO Getty Trust
  P.O. Box 92956
  Chicago, IL 60675.......................    --            7%            --             --              --           --       --
Owens-Illinois 401(k) Trust...............    37%          --             --             --              --           25%      --
Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust....    --           --             --             --              --           --       --
Owens-Illinois Non-Qualified
  Deferred Compensation Trust.............    --           --             --             --              --           --       --
Sidley and Austin Partners Plan
  One First National Plaza
  Chicago, IL 60603-2279..................    --           --             --             --              --           10%      --
State Street Bank & Trust
  3M Voluntary Investment Plan
  One Enterprise Drive
  North Quincy, MA 02171..................    --           --             10%            --              --           --       --
Techneglas, Inc. 401(k) Plans
  c/o National City Bank
  P.O. Box 94777-LOC 5312
  Cleveland, OH 44101.....................     8%          --             --             --              --           --       --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------  -----------------
                                             HARBOR    HARBOR
                                             SHORT     MONEY
                                            DURATION   MARKET
              NAME OF OWNER                   FUND      FUND
- ------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
  Omnibus Account Registration
  101 Montgomery Street
  San Francisco, CA
  94104-4122..............................     --        --
Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette
  SEC Corp. Inc. Reinvest Account
  c/o Transfer Dept. - 7th Floor
  P.O. Box 2052
  Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052..............     --        --
HCR Master Retirement Trust...............     --        --
Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc..............     18%       --
Jupiter & Co.
  c/o Investors Bank & Trust Co.
  P.O. Box 1537 TOP57
  Boston, MA 02205-1537...................     --        --
Maryland State
  Retirement Agency
  301 West Preston Street
  Baltimore, MD 21201-2363................     --        --
Med America Health
  1 Wyoming Street
  Dayton, OH 45409........................     --        --
Northern Trust TTEE
  FBO Getty Trust
  P.O. Box 92956
  Chicago, IL 60675.......................     --        --
Owens-Illinois 401(k) Trust...............     --        26%
Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust....     61%       --
Owens-Illinois Non-Qualified
  Deferred Compensation Trust.............     10%       --
Sidley and Austin Partners Plan
  One First National Plaza
  Chicago, IL 60603-2279..................     --        --
State Street Bank & Trust
  3M Voluntary Investment Plan
  One Enterprise Drive
  North Quincy, MA 02171..................     --        --
Techneglas, Inc. 401(k) Plans
  c/o National City Bank
  P.O. Box 94777-LOC 5312
  Cleveland, OH 44101.....................     --        --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   72
 
  Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), Harbor has no intention of
holding annual meetings of shareholders. Shareholders may remove a Trustee by
the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares
and the Trustees shall promptly call a meeting for such purpose when requested
to do so in writing by the record holders of not less than 10% of the
outstanding shares of the Trust. Shareholders may, under certain circumstances,
communicate with other shareholders in connection with requesting a special
meeting of shareholders. However, at any time that less than a majority of the
Trustees holding office were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call
a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
 
  SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY. Harbor is organized as a Delaware business
trust, and, under Delaware law, the shareholders of such a trust are not
generally subject to liability for the debts or obligations of the trust.
Similarly, Delaware law provides that none of the Funds will be liable for the
debts or obligations of any other Fund. However, no similar statutory or other
authority limiting business trust shareholder liability exists in many other
states. As a result, to the extent that a Delaware business trust or a
shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of courts in such other states, the
courts may not apply Delaware law and may thereby subject the Delaware business
trust shareholders to liability. To guard against this risk, the Declaration of
Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or
obligations of Harbor. Notice of such disclaimer will normally be given in each
agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by Harbor or the
Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the relevant
Fund for any loss suffered by a shareholder as a result of an obligation of the
Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that Harbor shall, upon request,
assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or
obligation of Harbor and satisfy any judgment thereon. The Trustees believe
that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability of shareholders is
remote.
 
  The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be liable
for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he or she
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
or her office.
 
                                   CUSTODIAN
 
   
  State Street Bank and Trust Company has been retained to act as Custodian of
the Funds' assets and, in that capacity, maintains certain financial and
accounting records of the Funds. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 1713, Boston,
MA 02105.
    
 
                INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
  Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, serves as Harbor
Fund's independent accountants, providing audit services, including review and
consultation in connection with various filings by Harbor Fund with the SEC and
tax authorities. The audited financial statements of Harbor Fund incorporated by
reference in this Statement of Additional Information have been so incorporated
in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The
financial statements of Harbor Fund together with the notes to the financial
statements, all of which are included in the annual report to the shareholders
dated October 31, 1997 on pages 34 through 55, are hereby incorporated by
reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   73
                                   APPENDIX A
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
 
  AAA: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
 
  AA: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than with Aaa
securities.
 
  A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
may be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
 
  BAA: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in
fact, have speculative characteristics as well.
 
  BA: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
 
  B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
 
  Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
  Moody's ratings for state and municipal and other short-term obligations will
be designated Moody's Investment Grade ("MIG"). This distinction is in
recognition of the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term
risk. Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower are uppermost in
importance in short-term borrowing, while various factors of the first
importance in long-term borrowing risk are of lesser importance in the short
run. Symbols used will be as follows:
 
  MIG-1--Notes bearing this designation are of the best quality enjoying strong
protection from established cash flows of funds for their servicing or from
established and broad-based access to the market for refinancing, or both.
 
  MIG-2--Notes bearing this designation are of favorable quality, with all
security elements accounted for, but lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades. Market access for refinancing, in particular, is likely to be
less well established.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
 
  AAA: Bonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates
an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
  AA: Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality obligations. Capacity to pay
principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they
differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
 
  A: Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest,
although they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.
 
  BBB: Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
 
  BB AND B: Bonds rated BB and B are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and B a higher degree of speculation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
  The ratings from "AA" to "B" may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   74
 
  Municipal notes issued since July 29, 1984 are rated "SP-1," "SP-2," and
"SP-3." The designation SP-1 indicates a very strong capacity to pay principal
and interest. A "+" is added to those issues determined to possess overwhelming
safety characteristics. An SP-2 designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to
pay principal and interest, while an SP-3 designation indicates speculative
capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
DUFF & PHELPS, INC.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  AAA: Long-term fixed income securities which are rated AAA are judged to be of
the highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly
more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
 
  AA: Long-term fixed income securities which are rated AA are judged to be of
high credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary
slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
 
  Duff & Phelps applies modifiers, AA+, AA, and AA- in the AA category for
long-term fixed securities. The modifier AA+ indicates that the security ranks
in the higher end of the AA category: the modifier AA indicates a mid-range
ranking; and the modifier AA- indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of
the AA category.
 
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE CORP.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  AAA: Bonds which are rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and of
the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to
pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
foreseeable events.
 
  AA: Bonds which are rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of very
high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated 'AAA'. Because bonds
rated in the 'AAA' and 'AA' categories are not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally
rated 'F-1+'.
 
  Fitch applies plus ("+") and minus ("-") modifiers in the AA category to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. The
modifier AA+ indicates that the security ranks at the higher end of the AA
category than a security rated AA or AA-.
 
IBCA LIMITED AND IBCA INC.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  AAA: Obligations which are rated AAA are considered to be of the lowest
expectation of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and
interest is substantial such that adverse changes in business, economic, or
financial conditions are unlikely to increase investment risk significantly.
 
  AA: Obligations which are rated AA are considered to be of a very low
expectation of investment risk. Capacity for timely repayment of principal and
interest is substantial. Adverse changes in business, economic, or financial
conditions may increase investment risk albeit not very significantly.
 
THOMSON BANKWATCH, INC.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  A: Company possesses an exceptionally strong balance sheet and earnings
record, translating into an excellent reputation and unquestioned access to its
natural money markets. If weakness or vulnerability exists in any aspect of the
company's business, it is entirely mitigated by the strengths of the
organization.
 
  A/B: Company is financially very solid with a favorable track record and no
readily apparent weakness. Its overall risk profile, while low, is not quite as
favorable as for companies in the highest rating category.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   75
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
 
  P-1: Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers
to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. The designation "Prime-1" or "P-1" indicates the highest
quality repayment capacity of the rated issue.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
 
  A-1: Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper ratings are current assessments of the
likelihood of timely payment of debts having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. The A-1 designation indicates the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is very strong.
 
DUFF & PHELPS, INC.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  DUFF 1: Commercial paper and certificates of deposit rated Duff 1 are
considered to have a very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors
are considered excellent and are supported by strong fundamental protection
factors. Risk factors are minor.
 
  Duff & Phelps applies a plus and minus rating scale, Duff 1 plus, Duff 1 and
Duff 1 minus in the Duff 1 top grade category for commercial paper and
certificates of deposit. The rating Duff 1 plus indicates that the security has
the highest certainty of timely payment, short-term liquidity is clearly
outstanding and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term
obligations; the rating Duff 1 indicates a very high certainty of timely
payment, liquidity factors are excellent and risk factors are minimal; and the
rating Duff 1 minus indicates a high certainty of timely payment, liquidity
factors are strong and risk factors are very small.
 
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE CORP.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  F-1: Short-term debt obligations rated F-1 are considered to be of very strong
credit quality. Those issues determined to possess exceptionally strong credit
quality and having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment will be
denoted with a plus ("+") sign designation.
 
IBCA LIMITED AND IBCA INC.
(HARBOR MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY)
 
  A1: Short-term obligations rated A1 are supported by a very strong capacity
for timely repayment. A plus ("+") sign is added to those issues determined to
possess the highest capacity for timely payment.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   76
 
                                HARBOR FUND LOGO
 
                                  One SeaGate
                               Toledo, Ohio 43666
                                 1-800-422-1050
 
   
3/98/7,000                                                                (LOGO)
    
                                                                  recycled paper
<PAGE>   77
 
                                  HARBOR FUND
 
                           PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
 
  a. Financial Statements:
        Included in Part A of this Registration Statement:
         Financial Highlights for each series of Harbor Fund, as of October 31,
         1997 (audited).
        Incorporated by reference in Part B of this Registration Statement by
        reference to Harbor Fund's Annual Financial Statements on Form N-30D/A,
        file date December 23, 1997 Accession No. 0000950124-97-00659:
         Portfolio of Investments as of October 31, 1997.
         Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of October 31, 1997.
         Statement of Operations for the year ended October 31, 1997.
         Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the fiscal years ended October
         31, 1996 and October 31, 1997;
         Notes to Financial Statements
         Report of Independent Accountants dated December 16, 1997.
 
  b. Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>       <S>  <C>       <C>
      (1) 1.   (a)       Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated June 8, 1993.
               (b)       Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of
                           Beneficial Interest, $.01 Par Value Per Share, dated
                           November 1, 1993.
               (c)       Establishment and Designation of Series of Shares of
                           Beneficial Interest, $.01 Par Value Per Share dated June
                           1, 1996.
    
   
      (1) 2.   By-laws, dated June 8, 1993.
          3.   Inapplicable.
          4.   Inapplicable.
    
   
      (1) 5.   (a)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor International Growth
                           Fund.
               (b)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Growth Fund.
               (c)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Capital Appreciation
                           Fund.
               (d)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor International Fund II.
               (e)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor International Fund.
               (f)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Value Fund.
               (g)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Bond Fund.
               (h)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Short Duration Fund.
               (i)       Investment Advisory Agreement--Harbor Money Market Fund.
               (j)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor International Growth Fund.
               (k)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Growth Fund.
               (l)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund.
               (m)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor International Fund II.
               (n)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor International Fund.
               (o)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Value Fund.
               (p)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Value Fund.
               (q)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Bond Fund.
               (r)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Short Duration Fund.
               (s)       Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Money Market Fund.
    
   
               (2)(t)    Subadvisory Contract--Harbor Growth Fund.
    
   
               (2)(u)    Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreements.
    
   
      (1) 6.             Distribution Agreement.
          7.             Inapplicable.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       C-1
<PAGE>   78
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>       <S>  <C>        <C>
          8.   Custodian Agreement.
      (1) 9.   Transfer Agent and Service Agreement.
    
   
     (1)1 0.   Opinion and Consent of Counsel as to legality of shares being
                 registered incorporated by reference to Rule 24f-2 Notice filed on
                 Form 24f-2 on December 27, 1996 (File No. 811-04676).
        1 1.   Consent of Independent Accountants.
        1 2.   1997 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated by reference to Form
                 N30D/A (File No. 811-04676) filed on December 23, 1997.
        1 3.   Investment Representation Letter relating to initial capital.
        1 4.   Inapplicable.
        1 5.   Inapplicable.
    
   
     (2)1 6.   Statement of Computation of Performance Quotations.
        1 7.   Not Applicable.
        1 8.   Power of Attorney.
    
   
     (2)2 7.   Financial Data Schedules.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
- ------------
    
   
<TABLE>
<C>   <S>
 (1)  Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 on February 27,
      1997.
    
   
 (2)  Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 on December 30,
      1997.
</TABLE>
    
 
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
 
   
  As of February 12, 1998, an Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust pension
portfolio owned beneficially and of record 61% of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest of Harbor Short Duration Fund.
    
 
   
  As of February 12, 1998, the Owens-Illinois 401(k) Trust owned beneficially
and of record 39% and 25% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of
Harbor Growth Fund and Harbor Value Fund, respectively.
    
 
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES (AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 1997)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       (2)
                            (1)                                     NUMBER OF
                       TITLE OF CLASS                              SHAREHOLDERS
                       --------------                              ------------
<S>                                                                <C>
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Growth Fund.....           1,882
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor International
  Growth Fund...............................................          13,308
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Capital
  Appreciation Fund.........................................          31,271
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor International
  Fund II...................................................           3,524
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor International
  Fund......................................................          52,880
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Value Fund......           1,997
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Bond Fund.......           6,858
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Short Duration
  Fund......................................................             353
Shareholders of beneficial interest, Harbor Money Market
  Fund......................................................           3,754
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION
 
  The Registrant maintains directors and officers insurance which, subject to
the terms, conditions and deductibles of the policy, covers Trustees and
officers of the Registrant while acting in their capacities as such. The issuer
of the policy is the Chubb Custom Insurance Company, Chubb Group of Insurance
Companies.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 ("Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
 
                                       C-2
<PAGE>   79
 
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
ITEM 28. BUSINESS OR OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
  The business of Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. is summarized under "The
Adviser, Subadvisers and Distributor" in the Prospectus constituting Part A of
this Registration Statement, which summary is incorporated herein by reference.
 
  The business or other connections of each director and officer of Harbor
Capital Advisors, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. (File No. 801-20374)
and is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.
 
  Northern Cross Investments Limited is a subadviser to Registrant's investment
adviser. The business or other connections of each director and officer of
Northern Cross Investments Limited is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Northern Cross Investments Limited (File No.
801-42997) and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
 
  Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc. is a subadviser to Registrant's investment
adviser. The business or other connections of each director and officer of
Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc. (File No. 801-42166)
and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
 
  Richards & Tierney, Inc. is a subadviser to Registrant's investment adviser.
The business or other connections of each director and officer of Richards &
Tierney, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser registration on Form
ADV for Richards & Tierney, Inc. (File No. 801-22646) and is hereby incorporated
by reference thereto.
 
  Pacific Investment Management Company is a subadviser to Registrant's
investment adviser. The business or other connections of each director and
officer of Pacific Investment Management Company is currently listed in the
investment adviser registration on Form ADV for Pacific Investment Management
Company (File No. 801-7260) and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
 
  Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. is a subadviser to Registrant's investment
adviser. The business and other connections of each director and officer of
Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. is currently listed in the investment
adviser registration on Form ADV for Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc. (File
No. 801-10577) and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
 
   
  Jennison Associates LLC is a subadviser to Registrant's investment adviser.
The business or other connections of each director or officer of Jennison
Associates LLC is currently listed in the investment adviser registration on
Form ADV for Jennison Associates LLC (File No. 801-5608) and is hereby
incorporated by reference thereto.
    
 
  DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. is a subadviser to Registrant's investment
adviser. The business or other connections of each director or officer of
DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. (File No. 801-48779)
and is hereby incorporated by reference thereto.
 
  Summit International Investments, Inc. is a subadviser to Registrant's
investment adviser. The business or other connections of each director or
officer of Summit International Investments, Inc. is currently listed in the
investment adviser registration on Form ADV for Summit International
Investments, Inc. (File No. 801-51305) and is hereby incorporated by reference
thereto.
 
                                       C-3
<PAGE>   80
 
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
 
  (a) None
 
  (b)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         POSITIONS AND            POSITIONS AND
                                                                          OFFICES WITH             OFFICES WITH
                  NAME                      BUSINESS ADDRESS              UNDERWRITER               REGISTRANT
                  ----                      ----------------             -------------            -------------
  <S>                                   <C>                         <C>                        <C>
  Ronald C. Boller....................  One SeaGate                 President, Treasurer,      Chairman,
                                        Toledo, Ohio 43666          Secretary and              President
                                                                    Director                   and Trustee
  Constance L. Souders................  One SeaGate                 Director                   Secretary and
                                        Toledo, Ohio 43666                                     Treasurer
</TABLE>
 
  (c) Inapplicable
 
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
 
   
  Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated
thereunder are maintained at the offices of the Registrant, Harbor Capital
Advisors, Inc., HCA Securities, Inc., and Harbor Transfer, Inc. each of which is
located at One SeaGate, Toledo, Ohio 43666; Emerging Growth Advisors, Inc., 401
E. Pratt Street, Suite 211, Baltimore, Maryland 21202; Jennison Associates LLC,
466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017; Summit International
Investments, Inc., 125 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; Northern
Cross Investments Limited, Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda
HMDX; DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., 201 Orange Avenue, Suite 850, Orlando,
Florida 32801; Richards & Tierney, Inc., 111 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois
60604; Pacific Investment Management Company, 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport
Beach, California 92660; Fischer Francis Trees & Watts, Inc., 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166. Records relating to the duties of the Registrant's
custodian are maintained by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, MA 02110.
    
 
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
 
  Inapplicable.
 
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  (a) Not applicable.
 
  (b) The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered with a copy of Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders upon request and without charge.
 
                                       C-4
<PAGE>   81
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Amendment to
the Registration Statement, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Toledo, the State of Ohio, on the 25th
day of February 1998.
    
 
                                        HARBOR FUND
 
                                        By: /s/  RONALD C. BOLLER
                                         RONALD C. BOLLER,
                                         PRESIDENT
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment has
been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       SIGNATURES                                       TITLE                       DATE
                       ----------                                       -----                       ----
<C>                                                       <S>                                 <C>
 
             /s/            RONALD C. BOLLER              Chairman and President (Principal   February 25, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------  Executive Officer) and Trustee
                    RONALD C. BOLLER
 
             /s/         CONSTANCE L. SOUDERS             Treasurer (Principal                February 25, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------  Financial and
                  CONSTANCE L. SOUDERS                    Accounting Officer)
 
              /s/             JOHN P. GOULD*              Trustee                             February 25, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------
                     JOHN P. GOULD
 
             /s/          HOWARD P. COLHOUN*              Trustee                             February 25, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   HOWARD P. COLHOUN
 
             /s/            RODGER F. SMITH*              Trustee                             February 25, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------
                    RODGER F. SMITH
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------------------
   
* Executed by Ronald C. Boller pursuant to a power of attorney filed with
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 24.
    
 
                                       C-5
<PAGE>   82
 
                                  HARBOR FUND
 
                  INDEX TO EXHIBITS IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NO.                                EXHIBIT                             PAGE
 ---                                -------                             ----
<C>       <S>                                                           <C>
 99.B8    Custodian Agreement
99.B11    Consent of Independent Accountants
99.B13    Investing Representation Letter Relating to Initial Capital
99.B18    Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       C-6

<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.B8
    










                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

                                    BETWEEN

                               HARBOR GROWTH FUND

                                      AND

                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY






<PAGE>   2

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                           PAGE

1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It ...............    1

2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect To Property of the
   Fund Held by the Custodian ..........................................    2
   2.1      Holding Securities .........................................    2
   2.2      Delivery of Securities .....................................    2
   2.3      Registration of Securities .................................    5
   2.4      Bank Accounts ..............................................    6
   2.5      Payments for Shares ........................................    6
   2.6      Investment and Availability of Federal Funds ...............    6
   2.7      Collection of Income .......................................    7
   2.8      Payment of Fund Moneys .....................................    7
   2.9      Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt
            of Securities Purchased ....................................    9
   2.10     Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions
            of Shares of the Fund ......................................   10
   2.11     Appointment of Agents ......................................   10
   2.12     Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System ................   11
   2.13     Segregated Account .........................................   13
   2.14     Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes ....................   14
   2.15     Proxies ....................................................   14
   2.16     Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities .......   14
   2.17     Proper Instructions ........................................   15
   2.18     Actions Permitted Without Express Authority ................   15
   2.19     Evidence of Authority ......................................   16

3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund
   Held Outside of the United States ...................................   16
   3.1      Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians ......................   16
   3.2      Assets to be Held ..........................................   17
   3.3      Foreign Securities Depositories ............................   17
   3.4      Segregation of Securities ..................................   17
   3.5      Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions ...............   17
   3.6      Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund ..............   18
   3.7      Reports by Custodian .......................................   18
   3.8      Transactions in Foreign Custody Account ....................   18
   3.9      Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians ........................   19
   3.10     Liability of Custodian .....................................   20
   3.11     Monitoring Responsibilities ................................   20
   3.12     Branches of U.S. Banks .....................................   21

4. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account
   and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income ...................   21

5. Records .............................................................   22



                                       i


<PAGE>   3



 6.  Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant .........................    22
                                                                           
 7.  Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants ................    22
                                                                           
 8.  Compensation of Custodian ........................................    23
                                                                           
 9.  Responsibility of Custodian ......................................    23
                                                                           
10.  Effective Period, Termination and Amendment ......................    24
                                                                           
11.  Successor Custodian ..............................................    25
                                                                           
12.  Interpretive and Additional Provisions ...........................    26
                                                                           
13.  Insurance ........................................................    27
                                                                           
14.  Additional Funds .................................................    27
                                                                           
15.  Massachusetts Law to Apply .......................................    27
                                                                           
16.  Prior Contracts ..................................................    27







                                       ii

<PAGE>   4

                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


     This contract between HARBOR GROWTH FUND, a business trust organized and
existing under the laws of Massachusetts, having its principal place of
business at One SeaGate, Toledo, Ohio, 43666 hereinafter called the "Fund" and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, a Massachusetts corporation, having its
principal place of business at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
02110, hereinafter called the "Custodian",

     WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
shares of each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and

     WHEREAS,  the Fund intends to initially offer shares of only one series,
(such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the
Fund and made subject to this Contract in accordance with paragraph 14, being
herein referred to as the "Fund(s)");

     WITNESSETH:  That in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.   EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT

     The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets
pursuant to the provisions of its Declaration of Trust dated May 20, 1986, as
amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust").  The Fund agrees to
deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments
of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial
interest ("Shares") of the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time.
The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of the Fund held or
received by the Fund and not delivered to the Custodian.

                                       1


<PAGE>   5




     Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Section
2.17), the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians,
but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the Trustees of the Fund, and
provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or
liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions of any
sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the Custodian.

2.   DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD BY THE
     CUSTODIAN.

2.1  Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
     the account of the Fund all non-cash property, including all securities
     owned by the Fund, other than securities which are maintained pursuant to
     Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or
     in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury,
     collectively referred to herein as "Securities System".

2.2  Delivery of Securities.   The Custodian shall release and deliver
     securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities
     System account of the Custodian only upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
     which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the
     parties, and only in the following cases:

     1)    Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
           receipt of payment therefor (for the purposes of this subsection,
           the term "sale" shall include without limitation the disposition of
           a portfolio security (i) upon the exercise of an option written by
           the Fund and (ii) upon the failure of the Fund to make a successful
           bid with respect to a portfolio security, the continued holding of
           which is contingent upon the making of such a bid);

     2)    Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
           agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;

                                       2


<PAGE>   6




      3)   In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System,
           in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;

      4)   To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
           similar offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;

      5)   To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
           called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided
           that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
           delivered to the Custodian;

      6)   To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
           name of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the
           Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
           pursuant to Section 2.11 or into the name or nominee name of any
           sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a
           different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
           representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
           provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
           delivered to the Custodian;

      7)   To the broker selling the same for examination in accordance
           with the "street delivery" custom;

      8)   For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
           consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of
           the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
           provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant
           to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
           securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;

      9)   In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
           surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
           similar securities, or the surrender of interim receipts or
           temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that,

                                       3


<PAGE>   7




           in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
           delivered to the Custodian;

      10)  For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made
           by the Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as
           agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund, which
           may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the United
           States government, its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in
           connection with any loans for which collateral is to be credited to
           the Custodian's account in the book-entry system authorized by the
           U.S.Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held
           liable or responsible for the delivery of securities owned by the
           Fund prior to the receipt of such collateral;

      11)  For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
           the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only against
           receipt of amounts borrowed;

      12)  For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
           agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
           registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
           Act"), and a member of The National Association of Securities
           Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to compliance with the rules of The
           Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
           securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
           organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection
           with transactions by the Fund;

      13)  For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
           agreement among the Fund, the Custodian, and a futures commission
           merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
           compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
           Commission and/or any contract market, or any

                                       4


<PAGE>   8




           similar organization or organizations, regarding futures margin
           account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;

      14)  Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
           ("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent
           or to the holders of Shares in connection with distributions in
           kind, as may be described from time to time in the Fund's currently
           effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information
           ("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for
           repurchase or redemption; and

      15)  For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
           addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
           the Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of
           the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
           specifying the securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose
           for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purposes to be
           proper purposes, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery
           of such securities shall be made.

2.3  Registration of Securities.  Securities held by the Custodian (other than
     bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund or in the
     name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the Custodian which
     nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless the Fund has
     authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common
     with other registered investment companies having the same investment
     adviser as the Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
     pursuant to Section 2.11 or in the name or nominee name of any
     sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1.  All securities accepted by
     the Custodian on behalf of the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall
     be in "street

                                       5


<PAGE>   9




     name" or other good delivery form or shall be returned to the selling
     broker or dealer who shall be advised of the reason therefor.

2.4  Bank Accounts.  The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
     account or accounts in the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or
     order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and
     shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof,
     all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund, other than
     cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established and used in
     accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
     amended.  Funds held by the Custodian for the Fund may be deposited by it
     to its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or
     in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem
     necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust
     company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, as amended, and that each such bank or trust company
     and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall
     be approved by the Trustees of the Fund.  Such funds shall be deposited by
     the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by
     the Custodian only in that capacity.

2.5  Payments for Shares.  The Custodian shall receive from the distributor
     for the Fund's Shares or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit
     into the Fund's account such payments as are received for Shares of the
     Fund issued or sold from time to time by the Fund.  The Custodian will
     provide timely notification to the Fund and the Transfer Agent of any
     receipt by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.

2.6  Investment and Availability of Federal Funds.  Upon mutual agreement
     between the Fund and the Custodian, the Custodian shall make federal funds
     available to the Fund on the day following the receipt of checks by the
     Custodian in the amount of

                                       6


<PAGE>   10




     checks received in payment for Shares of the Fund which are deposited
     into the Fund's account.

2.7  Collection of Income.   The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all
     income and other payments with respect to registered securities held
     hereunder to which the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
     custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all
     income and other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the
     date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian
     or agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected to the Fund's
     custodian account.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
     Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other
     income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall
     collect interest when due on securities held hereunder.  Income due the
     Fund on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10)
     shall be the responsibility of the Fund.  The Custodian will have no duty
     or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund
     with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in
     arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which
     the Fund is properly entitled.

2.8  Payment of Fund Moneys.   Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may
     be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
     Custodian shall pay out moneys of the Fund in the following cases only:

      1)   Upon the purchase of securities, futures contracts or options
           on futures contracts for the account of the Fund but only (a)
           against the delivery of such securities, or evidence of title to
           futures contracts or  options on futures contracts, to the Custodian
           (or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing business in the
           United States or abroad which is qualified under the

                                       7


<PAGE>   11




            Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as custodian and
            has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose)
            registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee of
            the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form
            for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a
            Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
            Section 2.12 hereof or (c) in the case of repurchase agreements
            entered into between the Fund and the Custodian, or another bank,
            or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery
            of the securities either in certificate form or through an entry
            crediting the Custodian's account in which it holds securities as
            fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers at the Federal
            Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) in the case of purchase
            by the Fund of securities owned by State Street Bank and Trust
            Company ("State Street") for its own account, against (A)delivery
            of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund, (B) earmarking
            certificates for such securities to show ownership by the Fund or
            transfer of such securities from State Street's proprietary account
            at the Federal Reserve Bank to its account described in (i) above,
            unless the Securities are already held in the latter account, (C)
            the entry on the records of State Street showing that such
            securities are held by the Fund, and (D) delivery of written
            evidence of the agreement of State Street to repurchase such
            securities from the Fund; provided that, upon receipt of  Proper
            Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer to another bank or trust
            company qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment
            Company Act of  1940, as amended, securities held in a Securities
            System and purchased from State Street subject to State Street's
            agreement to repurchase such securities;

                                       8


<PAGE>   12




      2)   In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
           securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;

      3)   For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund
           as set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;

      4)   For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
           Fund, including but not limited to the following payments for the
           account of the Fund:  interest, taxes, management, accounting,
           transfer agent and legal fees, filing fees for the registration or
           qualification of securities and operating expenses of the Fund
           whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized
           or treated as deferred expenses;

      5)   For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the
           governing documents of the Fund;

      6)   For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
           securities sold short;

      7)   For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
           addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
           the Trustees or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
           officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
           Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
           purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose
           to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom
           such payment is to be made.

2.9  Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.  In
     any and every case where payment for purchase of securities for the
     account of the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the
     securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from
     the Fund to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall

                                       9


<PAGE>   13




     be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same extent
     as if the securities had been received by the Custodian, except that in
     the case of repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund with a bank
     which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Custodian may
     transfer funds to the account of such bank prior to the receipt of
     written evidence that the securities subject to such repurchase agreement
     have been transferred by book-entry into a segregated non-proprietary
     account of the Custodian maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank of
     Boston or of the safe-keeping receipt, provided that such securities have
     in fact been so transferred by book-entry.

2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund.  From such
     funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the limitations
     of the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the Trustees of
     the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of
     instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to
     holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for
     redemption or repurchase of their Shares.  In connection with the
     redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian is
     authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire
     funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming
     shareholder.  In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of
     the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a
     holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the
     holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such
     procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
     between the Fund and the Custodian.

2.11 Appointment of Agents.  The Custodian may at any time or times in its
     discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
     company which is

                                       10


<PAGE>   14



     itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to
     act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of
     this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided
     however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the
     Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.

2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems.   The Custodian may deposit
     and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in a clearing agency
     registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities
     depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department
     of the Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to
     herein as "Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal
     Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
     regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:

      1)   The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in a Securities
           System provided that such securities are represented in an account
           ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System which shall
           not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
           fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;

      2)   The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
           the Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify
           by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;

      3)   The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
           account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
           System that such securities have been transferred to the Account,
           and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
           reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the

                                       11


<PAGE>   15




           Fund.  The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account
           of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System
           that payment for such securities has been transferred to the
           Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
           Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of
           the Fund.  Copies of all advices from the Securities System of
           transfers of securities for the account of the Fund shall identify
           the Fund, be maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be
           provided to the Fund at its request.  Upon request, the Custodian
           shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the
           account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or notice and
           shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction sheets
           reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities System for the
           account of the Fund.

      4)   The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained
           by the Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system,
           internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
           securities deposited in the Securities System;

      5)   The Custodian shall have received the initial or annual
           certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 10 hereof;

      6)   Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding,
           the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to
           the Fund resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of
           any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of
           its agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of
           the Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights
           as it may have against the Securities System; at the election of the
           Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the

                                       12


<PAGE>   16




           Custodian with respect to any claim against the Securities System
           or any other person which the Custodian may have as a consequence
           of any such loss or damage if and to the extent that the Fund has
           not been made whole for any such loss or damage.

2.13 Segregated Account.  The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
     Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for
     and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
     transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an
     account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof, (i) in
     accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the
     Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a
     member of the NASD (or any futures commission  merchant registered under
     the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The
     Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
     exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
     contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
     regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by
     the Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or U.S. Government
     securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the
     Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold
     by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the
     procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
     subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
     relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
     investment companies and (iv) for other proper purposes, but only, in the
     case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions,
     a certified copy of a resolution of the Trustees or of the Executive
     Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary
     or an

                                       13


<PAGE>   17



     Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
     segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper purposes.

2.14 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes.  The Custodian shall execute
     ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
     tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
     respect to securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with
     transfers of securities.

2.15 Proxies.  The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held
     hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
     securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of
     the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the
     manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver
     to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices
     relating to such securities.

2.16 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities.  The Custodian
     shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written information (including,
     without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of securities and
     expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of
     call and put options written by the Fund and the maturity of futures
     contracts purchased or sold by the Fund) received by the Custodian from
     issuers of the securities being held for the Fund.  With respect to tender
     or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all
     written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the
     securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or his
     agents) making the tender or exchange offer.  If the Fund desires to take
     action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other
     similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least one
     business day prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
     action.

                                       14


<PAGE>   18




2.17 Proper Instructions.  Proper Instructions as used throughout this Article
     2 means a writing signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as
     the Trustees shall have from time to time authorized.  Each such writing
     shall set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction involved,
     including a specific statement of the purpose for which such action is
     requested.  Oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if
     the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person
     authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
     involved.  The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in
     writing.  Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
     Secretary as to the authorization by the Trustees of the Fund accompanied
     by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Trustees, Proper
     Instructions may include communication effected directly between
     electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Trustees and
     the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
     safeguards for the Fund's assets.

2.18 Actions Permitted without Express Authority.  The Custodian may in its
     discretion, without express authority from the Fund:

      1)   make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of
           handling securities or other similar items relating to its duties
           under this Contract, provided that all such payments shall be
           accounted for to the Fund;

      2)   surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
           definitive form;

      3)   endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks,
           drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

      4)   in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
           connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer
           and other dealings with the

                                       15


<PAGE>   19




           securities and property of the Fund except as otherwise directed by
           the Trustees of the Fund.

2.19 Evidence of Authority.  The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon
     any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other
     instrument or paper believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly
     executed by or on behalf of the Fund.  The Custodian may receive and
     accept a certified copy of a vote of the Trustees of the Fund as
     conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to act in
     accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action by
     the Trustees pursuant to the Declaration of Trust as described in such
     vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
     receipt by the Custodian or written notice to the contrary.

3.   DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD OUTSIDE OF
     THE UNITED STATES.

3.1  Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians.  In accordance with Section 1, the
     Custodian is authorized and instructed to employ as sub-custodians for the
     Fund's securities and other assets maintained outside of the United States
     the foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
     designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians").  Upon receipt
     of Proper Instructions, together with a certified resolution of the
     Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend
     Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate additional foreign
     institutions and foreign securities depositories to act as sub-custodians.
     Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund, the Custodian shall
     cease the employment of any one or more of such sub-custodians for
     maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.

                                       16


<PAGE>   20




3.2  Assets to be Held.  The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
     assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to:  (a)
     "foreign securities," as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
     the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (b) cash and cash
     equivalents in such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to
     be reasonably necessary to effect the Fund's foreign securities
     transactions.

3.3  Foreign Securities Depositories.  Except as may otherwise be agreed upon
     in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Fund shall be
     maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
     implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
     pursuant to the terms hereof.

3.4  Segregation of Securities.  The Custodian shall identify on its books as
     belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
     foreign sub-custodian.  Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian
     employs a foreign banking institution shall require that such institution
     establish a custody account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund and
     physically segregate in the account, securities  and other assets of the
     Fund, and, in the event that such institution deposits the Fund's
     securities in a foreign securities depository, that it shall identify on
     its books as belonging to the Custodian, as agent for the Fund, the
     securities so deposited (all collectively referred to as the "Account").

3.5  Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions.  Each agreement with a
     foreign banking institution shall provide that:  (a) the Fund's assets
     will not be subject to any rights, charge, security interest, lien or
     claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its
     creditors, except a claim of payment for their safe custody or
     administration;  (b) beneficial ownership of the Fund's assets will be
     freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for
     custody or

                                       17


<PAGE>   21




     administration;  (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the
     assets as belonging to the Fund;  (d) officers of or auditors employed
     by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent
     permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants for the
     Fund, will be given access to the books and records of the foreign
     banking institution relating to its actions under its agreement with the
     Custodian; and  (e)  assets of the Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian
     will be subject only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.

3.6  Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund.  Upon request of the Fund,
     the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
     accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of
     any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian
     insofar as such books and records relate to the performance of such
     foreign banking institution under its agreement with the Custodian.

3.7  Reports by Custodian.  The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
     time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
     other assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
     limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Fund's
     securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers
     of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign
     banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating, as
     to securities acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having
     physical possession of such securities.

3.8  Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a)  Upon receipt of Proper
     Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate
     by the parties, the Custodian shall make or cause its foreign
     sub-custodian to transfer, exchange or


                                       18


<PAGE>   22




     deliver foreign securities owned by the Fund, but except to the extent
     explicitly provided herein only in one of the circumstances specified in
     Section 2.2.
     (b)  Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
     instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall
     pay out or cause its foreign sub-custodians to pay out monies of the
     Fund, but except to the extent explicitly provided herein only in one of
     the circumstances specified in Section 2.8.
     (c)   Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
     settlement and payment for securities received for the account of the
     Fund and delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund
     may be effected in accordance with the customary or established
     securities trading or securities processing  practices and procedures in
     the jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs, including,
     without limitation,  delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to
     a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a
     receipt with the expectation of receiving later payment for such
     securities from such purchaser or dealer.
     (d)  Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may
     be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as
     set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract and the Fund agrees to hold any
     such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such
     securities.

3.9  Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians.   Each agreement pursuant to which
     the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
     sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in
     the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
     Custodian and each Account from and against any loss, damage, cost,
     expense, liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the
     institution's performance of such obligations.  At the election of

                                       19


<PAGE>   23




     the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
     Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign banking
     institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
     liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made
     whole for any such loss, damage,  cost, expense, liability or claim.

3.10 Liability of Custodian.   The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
     omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
     with respect to sub-custodians generally in Section 1 of this Contract
     and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a
     foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch
     of a U.S. bank as contemplated by Section 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall
     not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
     resulting from, or caused by, the direction of or authorization by the
     Fund to maintain custody of any securities or cash of the Fund in a
     foreign country including, but not limited to, losses resulting from
     nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
     terrorism.

3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities.  The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
     Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
     sub-custodians, if any, employed by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund.
     Such information shall be of the kind and scope customarily furnished in
     order to comply with the provisions of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, as amended.  In addition, the Custodian will promptly
     inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a material
     adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign sub-custodian or is
     notified by a foreign banking institution employed as a foreign
     sub-custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its
     shareholders' equity will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the
     equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders'

                                       20


<PAGE>   24




     equity has declined below $200 million (in each case computed in
     accordance with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles).

3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract,
     the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Fund assets
     maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a "bank"
     as defined by Section 2 (a) (5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
     amended, which meets the qualification set forth in Section 26 (a) of said
     Act.  The appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be
     governed by Article 1 of this Contract.

4.   DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND CALCULATION
     OF NET ASSET VALUE AND NET INCOME.

     The Custodian shall keep the books of account of the Fund and compute the
net asset value per share of the outstanding shares of the Fund.  The Custodian
shall also calculate daily the net investment income of the Fund as described
in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus and shall advise the Fund and the
Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net investment income and, if
instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the
Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net investment income among
its various  components.  The calculations of the net asset value per share and
the daily income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective Prospectus.  The Custodian shall
submit to all regulatory and administrative bodies having jurisdiction over the
services provided pursuant to this Contract, present or future, any
information, reports, or other material which any such body by reason of this
Contract may request or require pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
The Custodian shall not disclose or use any records it has prepared by reason
of this Contract in any manner except as expressly authorized herein or

                                       21


<PAGE>   25




directed by the Fund and shall keep confidential any information obtained by
reason of this Contract.

5.   RECORDS.

     The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2
thereunder, applicable federal and state tax laws and any other law or
administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to the Fund.  All
such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and
held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.

6.   OPINION OF FUNDS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT.

     The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other periodic
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirements of such Commission.

7.   REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

     The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and

                                       22


<PAGE>   26




options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian
under this Contract; such reports, which shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund, to provide
reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such
examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, shall so state.

8.   COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN.

     The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between
the Fund and the Custodian.

9.   RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN.

     So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties.
The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out
the provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be
without liability to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good
faith without negligence.  It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall
be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to
such advice.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the
Custodian with respect to redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance
with a separate agreement, if any entered into between the Custodian and the
Fund.

                                       23


<PAGE>   27




     If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned
to the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of
some other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take
such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.

     If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any
purpose or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be
assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in
connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the
Fund's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.

10.  EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT.

     This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue
in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be
amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however, that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Trustees of the Fund have approved the initial use of a
particular Securities System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees have reviewed the use by
the Fund of such Securities System, as required in each case by Rule

                                       24


<PAGE>   28




17f-4 under the investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; provided further,
however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in
contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision
of the Declaration of Trust, and further provided, that the Fund may at any
time by action of its Trustees (i)  substitute another bank or trust company
for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii)
immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate
regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

     Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.

11.  SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.

     If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Trustees of the Fund,
the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at
the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all
securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the
successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a Securities System.

     If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Trustees of the
Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such securities,
funds, and other properties in accordance with such vote.

     In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Trustees shall have been delivered to the
Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become effective,
then the Custodian shall have the right to

                                       25


<PAGE>   29




deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, doing business in Boston,
Massachusetts, of its own selection having an aggregate capital, surplus, and
undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than
$25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian
and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other
property held by it under this Contract and to transfer to an account of such
successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in any Securities System.
Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian
under this Contract.

     In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of vote referred to or of the
Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains
possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of
this Contract relating to the duties of and obligations of the Custodian shall
remain in full force and effect.

12.  INTERPRETIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

     In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract.  Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in writing signed by both  parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision
of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund.  No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall  be deemed to be an
amendment of this Contract.

                                       26


<PAGE>   30




13.  INSURANCE

     The Custodian shall at all times maintain insurance coverage deemed
adequate by the Custodian in light of its duties hereunder and its other
obligations and activities.

14.  ADDITIONAL FUNDS.

     In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series with respect to
which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the
terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian
agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become
a Fund hereunder.

15.  MASSACHUSETTS LAW TO APPLY.

     This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

16.  PRIOR CONTRACTS.

     This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.

     The name "Harbor Growth Fund" is the designation of the Trustees for the
time being under a Declaration of Trust dated May 20, 1986, as amended, and all
persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the Fund's property for the
enforcement of any claims against the Fund as neither the Trustees, officers,
agents nor Shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered
into on behalf of the Fund.

                                       27


<PAGE>   31




     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 19th day of November, 1986.


ATTEST                                 HARBOR GROWTH FUND
            
            
/s/ Betty J. Csehi                     By   /s/ Barry P. Walsh
- -------------------------                 -------------------------
Betty J. Csehi, Secretary                 Barry P. Walsh, President



ATTEST                                 STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY



/s/ Authorized Signor                   By /s/ Authorized Signor
- -------------------------                 -------------------------
Assistant Secretary                       Vice President



                                       28


<PAGE>   32

                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]

                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                            Custodian Fee Schedule

                                OWENS ILLINOIS

                             *Harbor Growth Fund



I.   Administration

 C.  Custody, Portfolio and Fund Accounting Service - Maintain custody of fund
     assets.  Settle portfolio purchases and sales.  Report buy and sell fails.
     Determine and collect portfolio income.  Make cash disbursements and
     report cash transactions.  Maintain investment ledgers, provide selected
     portfolio transactions, position and income reports.  Maintain general 
     ledger and capital stock accounts.  Prepare daily trial balance.  
     Calculate net asset value daily.  Provide selected general ledger reports.
     Securities yield or market value quotations will be provided to State 
     Street by the fund.

     The administration fee shown below is an annual charge, billed and payable
     monthly, based on average monthly net assets.

                          ANNUAL FEES PER PORTFOLIO

                                                Custody, Portfolio
        Fund Net Assets.                        and Fund Accounting
        ----------------                        -------------------

        First $20 Million                             1/15 of 1%
        Next $80 Million                              1/30 of 1%
        Excess                                       1/100 of 1%

        Minimum Monthly Charges                         $2,500


II.  Global Custody - Services provided include:
     Cash Movements, Foreign Communication, Foreign Exchange 
     (local currency settlements).                              

     Fund Net Assets                                  Annual Fees
     ---------------                                  -----------
     First $50 Million                              18 Basis Points
     Next $50 Million                               15 Basis Points
     Over $100 Million                              12 Basis Points

     Minimum Per Client                             $5,000.00 Annually
                                
<PAGE>   33
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]


 III. Portfolio Trades - For each line item processed

      State Street Bank Repos --                                $ 7.00

      DTC or Fed Book Entry                                     $12.00

      New York Physical Settlements                             $25.00

      All other trades                                          $16.00

  IV. Options

      Option charge for each option written or
      closing contract, per issue, per broker                   $25.00

      Option expiration charge, per issue, per broker           $15.00

      Option exercised charge, per issue, per broker            $15.00

   V. Lending of Securities

      Deliver loaned securities versus cash collateral          $20.00

      Deliver loaned securities versus securities
      collateral                                                $30.00

      Receive/deliver additional cash collateral                $ 6.00

      Substitutions of securities collateral                    $30.00

      Deliver cash collateral versus receipt of loaned
      securities                                                $15.00

      Deliver securities collateral versus receipt of 
      loaned securities                                         $25.00

      Loan administration -- mark-to-market per day, per
      loan                                                      $ 3.00

  VI. Interest Rate Futures

      Transactions -- no security movement                      $ 8.00

 VII. Coupon Bonds

      Monitoring for calls and processing coupons --
      for each coupon issue held -- monthly charge              $ 5.00

VIII. Holdings Charge

      For each issue maintained -- monthly charge               $ 5.00
                                        
<PAGE>   34
                                                            [STATE STREET LOGO]


  IX.  Paydown on Government Securities

       Per paydown                                              $10.00

   X.  Dividend Charges (For items held at the Request
       of Traders over record date in street form)              $50.00

  XI.  Special Services

       Fees for activities of a non-recurring nature such as fund
       consolidations or reorganizations, extraordinary security shipments and
       the preparation of special reports will be subject to negotation.  Fees 
       for tax accounting/recordkeeping for options, financial futures, and 
       other special items will be negotiated separately.               

 XII.  Out-of-Pocket Expenses

       A billing for the recovery of applicable out-of-pocket expenses will be
       made as of the end of each month.  Out-of-pocket expenses include, but 
       are not limited to the following:        

          Telephone
          Wire Charges ($4.70 per wire in and $4.55 out)
          Postage and Insurance
          Courier Service
          Duplicating
          Legal Fees
          Supplies Related to Fund Records
          Rush Transfer -- $8.00 Each
          Transfer Fees
          Sub-custodian Charges
          Price Waterhouse Audit Letter
          Federal Reserve Fee for Return Check items over $2,500 - $4.25
          GNMA Transfer - $15 each

XIII.  Payment

       The above fees will be charged against the fund's custodian checking
       account five (5) days after the invoice is mailed to the fund's offices. 



OWENS ILLINOIS                                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO. 

*  Harbor Growth Fund   

By   /s/ Barry P. Walsh                          By   /s/ Authorized Signor
     ---------------------                           ------------------------   

Title  President                                Title    Vice President
       -------------------                              ---------------------

Date    11-19-86                                Date         6-18-86
       -------------------                              ---------------------



<PAGE>   35
                                  AMENDMENT TO
                               CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

         Amendment to Custodian Contract between Harbor Fund, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, having a principal place
of business at One SeaGate, Toledo, Ohio 43666 (hereinafter called the "Fund"),
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company, having
its principal place of business at 225 Franklin Street, Boston Massachusetts
02110 (hereinafter called the "Custodian").
         WHEREAS: The Fund and the Custodian are parties to a Custodian Contract
dated November 19, 1986 (the "Custodian Contract");
         WHEREAS: The Fund desires that the Custodian issue a letter of credit
(the "Letter of Credit") on behalf of the Fund for the benefit of ICI Mutual
Insurance Company (the "Company") in accordance with the Continuing Letter of
Credit and Security Agreement and that the Fund's obligations to the Custodian
with respect to the Letter of Credit shall be fully collateralized at all times
while the Letter of Credit is outstanding by, among other things, segregated
assets of the Fund equal to 100% of the face amount to the amount of the Letter
of Credit;
         WHEREAS: the Custodian Contract provides for the establishment of
segregated accounts for proper Fund purposes upon Proper Instructions (as
defined in the Custodian Contract); and
         WHEREAS: The Fund and the Custodian desire to establish a segregated
account to hold the collateral for the Fund's obligations to the Custodian with
respect to the Letter of Credit and to amend the Custodian Contract to provide
for the establishment and maintenance thereof;
         WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto hereby amend the Custodian
Contract as follows:
         1.   Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the
              meanings ascribed to them in the Custodian Contract.
         2.   The Fund hereby instructs the Custodian to establish and maintain
              a segregated account (the "Letter of Credit Custody Account") for
              and in behalf of the Fund as 

                                       1
<PAGE>   36

              contemplated by Section 2.13(iv) for the purpose of 
              collateralizing the Fund's obligations under this Amendment to 
              the Custodian Contract.
         3.   The Fund shall deposit with the Custodian and the Custodian shall
              hold in the Letter of Credit Custody Account cash, U.S. government
              securities and other high-grade debt securities owned by the Fund
              acceptable to the Custodian (collectively "Collateral Securities")
              equal to 100% of the face amount to the amount which the Company
              may draw under the Letter of Credit. Upon receipt of such
              Collateral Securities in the Letter of Credit Custody Account, the
              Custodian shall issue the Letter of Credit to the Company.
         4.   The fund hereby grants to the Custodian a security interest in the
              Collateral Securities from time to time in the Letter of Credit
              Custody Account (the "Collateral") to secure the performance of
              the Fund's obligations to the Custodian with respect to the Letter
              of Credit, including, without limitation, under Section 5-114(3)
              of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Fund shall register the pledge
              of Collateral and execute and deliver to the Custodian such powers
              and instruments of assignment as may be requested by the Custodian
              to evidence and perfect the limited interest in the Collateral
              granted hereby.
         5.   The Collateral Securities in the Letter of Credit Custody Account
              may be substituted or exchanged (including substitutions or
              exchanges which increase or decrease the aggregate value of the
              Collateral) only pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund
              after the Fund notifies the Custodian of the contemplated
              substitution or exchange and the Custodian agrees that such
              substitution or exchange is acceptable to the Custodian.
         6.   Upon any payment made pursuant to the Letter of Credit by the
              Custodian to the Company, the Custodian may withdraw from the
              Letter of Credit Custody Account Collateral Securities in an
              amount equal in value to the amount actually so paid. The
              Custodian shall have with respect to the Collateral so withdrawn
              all of the rights of a secured creditor under the Uniform
              Commercial Code as adopted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at
              the time of such withdrawal and all other rights granted or
              permitted to it under law.
 
                                       2
 
<PAGE>   37
         7.   The Custodian will transfer upon receipt all income earned on the
              Collateral to the Fund custody account unless the Custodian
              receives Proper Instructions from the Fund to the contrary.
         8.   Upon the drawing by the Company of all amounts which may become
              payable to it under the Letter of Credit and the withdrawal of all
              Collateral Securities with respect thereto by the Custodian
              pursuant to Section 6 hereof, or upon the termination of the
              Letter of Credit by the Fund with the written consent of the
              Company, the Custodian shall transfer any Collateral Securities
              then remaining in the Letter of Credit Custody Account to another
              fund custody account.
         9.   Collateral held in the Letter of Credit Custody Account shall be
              released only in accordance with the provisions of this Amendment
              to Custodian Contract. The Collateral shall at all times until
              withdrawn pursuant to Section 6 hereof remain the property of the
              fund, subject only to the extent of the interest granted herein to
              the Custodian.
         10.  Notwithstanding any other termination of the Custodian Contract,
              the Custodian Contract shall remain in full force and effect with
              respect to the Letter of Credit Custody Account until transfer of
              all Collateral Securities pursuant to Section 8 hereof.
         11.  The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
              issuance of the Letter of Credit and for its services in
              connection with the Letter of Credit Custody Account as agreed
              upon from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
         12.  The Custodian Contract as amended hereby, shall be governed by,
              and construed and interpreted under, the laws of the Commonwealth
              of Massachusetts.
         13.  The parties agree to execute and deliver all such further
              documents and instruments and to take such further action as may
              be required to carry out the purposes of the Custodian Contract,
              as amended hereby.
         14.  Except as provided in this Amendment to Custody Contract, the
              Custodian Contract shall remain in full force and effect, without
              amendment or modification, and all applicable provisions of the
              Custodian Contract, as amended hereby, including, without
              limitation, Section 8 thereof, shall govern the Letter of Credit
              Custody 

                                       3
<PAGE>   38

              Account and the rights and obligations of the Fund and the
              Custodian under this Amendment to Custodian Contract. No provision
              of this Amendment to Custodian Contract shall be deemed to
              constitute a waiver of any rights of the Custodian under the
              Custodian Contract or under law.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to
Custodian Contract to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized
representatives and its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 15th day of
August, 1988.

ATTEST:


By:      /s/ Betty J. Csehi                  By:   /s/ Barry P. Walsh
         ---------------------------               --------------------------- 
         Betty J. Csehi                            Barry P. Walsh, President
         Secretary/Treasurer


ATTEST:                                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO.


By:      /s/ Kathy M. Kubit                  By:   /s/ Kenneth Bergeron
         ---------------------------               ---------------------------
                                                   Vice President



                                       4
<PAGE>   39




                      AMENDMENT TO THE CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


     AGREEMENT made this 1st day of November 1988 by and between STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY ("Custodian") and HARBOR FUND (the "Fund").

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a Custodian Contract
dated November 19, 1986 (as amended to date, the "Contract") which governs the
terms and conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the
securities and other assets of the Fund:

     NOW THEREFORE, the Custodian and the Fund hereby amend the terms of the
Custodian Contract and mutually agree to the following:

     Replace subsection 7) of Section 2.2 Delivery of Securities with the
following new subsection 7):

            7)  Upon the sale of such securities for the account
            of the Fund, to the broker or its clearing agent,
            against a receipt, for examination in accordance with
            "street delivery" custom; provided that in any such
            case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or
            liability for any loss arising from the delivery of
            such securities prior to receiving payment for such
            securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
            own negligence or willful misconduct;

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by a duly authorized officer as of the
day and year first above written.


ATTEST                                  HARBOR FUND

/s/ Karen Brenner Wasil                  /s/ Barry P. Walsh
- --------------------------------        ----------------------------------


ATTEST                                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

/s/ K. Robey                            /s/ Kenneth Bergeron
- --------------------------------        ----------------------------------
Assistant Secretary                     Vice President


<PAGE>   40
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]

                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
                                      
                            CUSTODIAN FEE SCHEDULE
                                      
                         HARBOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Administration
- -----------------

    Custody, Portfolio and Fund Accounting Service - Maintain custody of fund   
    assets. Settle portfolio purchases and sales.  Report buy and sell fails. 
    Determine and collect portfolio income.  Make cash disbursements and report
    cash transactions.  Maintain investment ledgers, provide selected portfolio
    transactions, position and income reports.  Maintain general ledger and
    capital stock accounts.  Prepare daily trial balance.  Calculate net asset
    value daily.  Provide selected general ledger reports.

    The administration fee shown below is an annual charge, billed and payable  
    monthly, based on average monthly net assets.

                          ANNUAL FEES PER PORTFOLIO
                          -------------------------


    Fund Net Assets                                     Annual Fees
    ---------------                                     -----------

        First $20 Million                               1/15 of 1%
        Next $80 Million                                1/30 of 1%
        Excess                                          1/100 of 1%

        Minimum Monthly Charges                     $3,000




II. Global Custody
- ------------------

    Fund Net Assets                                     Annual Fees   
    ---------------                                     -----------
                                                        20 Basis Points


        Minimum Annual Charges                      $5,000      

<PAGE>   41




                        AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


     AGREEMENT made this 2nd day of January, 1992 by and between STATE STREET
BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (the "Custodian") and HARBOR FUND (the "Fund").

     WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a Custodian Contract
dated November 19, 1986 (the "Custodian Contract") which governs the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the securities and
other assets of the Fund;

     WHEREAS, the Fund desires to engage in the trading of Time Deposits in
connection with its investment activity;

     NOW THEREFORE, the Custodian and Fund hereby amend the terms of the
Custodian Contract and mutually agree to the following provisions:

      1)   Add to Section 2.8, the following:

           "or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the
           Fund in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such
           transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a
           confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank
           pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as
           defined in Section 2.17"

      2)   Insert at the beginning of Section 2.9 the following
           phrase:

           "Except as specifically stated otherwise in this
           Agreement,"

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by a duly authorized representative as
of the aforementioned day and year.


ATTEST                                  HARBOR FUND

/s/ Betty J. Csehi                       /s/ Ronald C. Boller
- --------------------------------        ----------------------------------


ATTEST                                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

/s/ Maureen Rodreguez                   /s/ Robert Kaplan
- --------------------------------        ----------------------------------
Assistant Secretary                     Vice President
<PAGE>   42
                                    AMENDMENT

         The Custodian Contract dated November 11, 1986 between Harbor Fund (the
"Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") is hereby
amended as follows:

         I.       Section 2.1. is amended to read as follows:

         "Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, including all securities
owned by the Fund, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a
book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
collectively referred to herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper
of an insurer for which State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12.A".

         II. Section 2.2 is amended to read, in relevant part as follows:

         "Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities System
account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book entry system
account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, and only in the following cases:

         1) . . . . .
         .
         .
         .
         14) . . . . ."


                                       1
<PAGE>   43

         III. Section 2.8(1) is amended to read in relevant part as follows:

         "Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may
be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian
shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following cases only:

                  1) Upon the purchase of securities, options, futures contracts
                  or options on futures contracts for the account of the Fund
                  but only (a) against the delivery of such securities or
                  evidence of title to such options, futures contracts or
                  options on futures contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank,
                  banking firm or trust company doing business in the United
                  States or abroad which is qualified under the Investment
                  Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and has
                  been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
                  purpose) registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of
                  a nominee of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof
                  or in proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase
                  effected through a Securities System, in accordance with the
                  conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof or (c) in the case
                  of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance
                  with the conditions set forth in Section 2.12A; or (d) in the
                  case of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund
                  and the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which
                  is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities
                  either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
                  Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such
                  securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt evidencing
                  purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the Custodian
                  along with written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian
                  to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e) for
                  transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
                  whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected
                  prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the
                  applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund
                  as defined in Section 2.17;"

                                       2
<PAGE>   44
         IV. Following Section 2.12, there is inserted a new Section 2.12.A to
read as follows:

2.12.A   "Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper
System. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund
in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:

                  1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
                  System will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions;

                  2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct
                  Paper System only if such securities are represented in an
                  account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper
                  System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian
                  other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
                  for customers;

                  3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
                  the Fund which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
                  identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;

                  4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
                  account of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records
                  of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of
                  securities to the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall
                  transfer securities sold for the account of the Fund upon the
                  making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
                  such transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the
                  Fund;

                  5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
                  transfer to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a
                  written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business
                  day following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund
                  copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
                  transaction in the Securities System for the account of the
                  Fund;

                                       3
<PAGE>   45
                  6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its
                  system of internal accounting control as the Fund may
                  reasonably request from time to time."

               V. Section 10 is hereby amended to read as follows:

                  "Effective Period, Termination and Amendment. This contract
shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in full force and
effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended at any time by
mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated be either party by
an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to the other
party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30) days after
the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the Custodian shall
not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Trustees of the
Fund have approved the initial use of a particular Securities System and the
receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that
the Trustees have reviewed the use by the Fund of such Securities System, as
required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended and that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.12.A hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Trustees have approved the initial use of the Direct Paper
System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Trustees have reviewed the use by the Fund of the Direct
Paper System; provided further, however, that the Fund shall not amend or
terminate this Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state
regulations, or any provision of the Declaration of Trust, and further provided,
that the Fund may at any time by action of its Trustees (i) substitute another
bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to
the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the
appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of
the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an
appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.

                                       4
<PAGE>   46
         Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements."

         Except as otherwise expressly amended and modified herein, the
provisions of the Custodian Contract shall remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Amendment to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized
representative and its Seal to be hereto affixed as of the 18th day of May,
1992.


ATTEST:                                   HARBOR FUND


/s/ Constance L. Souders                  By:/s/ Ronald C. Boller
- ------------------------------------      ----------------------------------

ATTEST:                                   STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO.


/s/   Authorized Signor                   By:/s/  Ronald E. Logue
    --------------------------------      -----------------------------------  
       Assistant Secretary                     Senior Vice President



                                       5
<PAGE>   47
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]

                         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                      
                            CUSTODIAN FEE SCHEDULE
                                      
                                 HARBOR VALUE


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I. ADMINISTRATION
   --------------

   CUSTODY, PORTFOLIO, AND FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICE - Maintain custody of fund   
   assets.  Settle portfolio purchases and sales.  Report buy and sell fails. 
   Determine and collect portfolio income.  Make cash disbursements and report
   cash transactions.  Maintain investment ledgers, provide selected portfolio
   transactions, position and income reports.  Maintain general ledger and
   capital stock accounts.  Prepare daily trial balance.  Calculate net asset
   value daily.  Provide selected general ledger reports.  Securities yield or
   market value quotations will be provided to State Street by the fund.

   The administration fee shown below is an annual charge, billed and payable
   monthly, based on average monthly net assets.




                          ANNUAL FEES PER PORTFOLIO
                          -------------------------

                                                  Custody, Portfolio
                Series Net Assets                 and Fund Accounting 
                -----------------                 -------------------

                First $20 Million                 1/15 of 1%
                Next $80 Million                  1/30 of 1%
                Excess                            1/100 of 1%

                Minimum Monthly Charges           $2,250

                Additional Investment Manager     $1,500/Month

<PAGE>   48
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]


II.     Global Custody - Services provided include:
        (LOCAL CURRENCY SETTLEMENTS) Cash Movements, Foreign communication, 
        Foreign Exchange


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Fund Net Assets                                 Annual Fees
        ---------------                                 -----------
        <S>                                             <C>
                                                        20 Basis Points

        Minimum Per Client                              $5,000,00 Annually
</TABLE>

        
III.    PORTFOLIO TRADES - FOR EACH LINE ITEM PROCESSED
        -----------------------------------------------

        State Street Bank Repos                                         $  7.00

        DTC or Fed Book Entry                                           $ 12.00

        New York Physical Settlements                                   $ 25.00

        Maturity Collections                                            $  8.00

        All other trades                                                $ 16.00

IV.     OPTIONS
        -------

        Options charge for each option written or closing contract,
        per issue, per broker                                           $ 25.00

        Option expiration charge, per issue, per broker                 $ 15.00

        Option exercised charge, per issue, per broker                  $ 15.00

V.      LENDING OF SECURITIES
        ---------------------

        Deliver loaned securities versus cash collateral                $ 20.00

        Deliver loaned securities versus securities collateral          $ 30.00

        Receive/deliver additional cash collateral                      $  6.00

        Substitutions of securities collateral                          $ 30.00

        Deliver cash collateral versus receipt of loaned securities     $ 15.00

        Deliver securities collateral versus receipt of loaned 
        securities                                                      $ 25.00

        Loan administration mark-to-market per day, per loan            $  3.00

<PAGE>   49
                                                            [STATE STREET LOGO]

VI.     INTEREST RATE FUTURES
        ---------------------

        Transactions -- no security movement                    $  8.00

VII.    COUPON BONDS
        ------------

        Monitoring for calls and processing coupons --
        for each coupon issue held -- monthly charge            $  5.00

VIII.   HOLDINGS CHARGE
        --------------

        100 or Less                                             $  5.00 Each
        Over 100 Holdings                                       No Charge

IX.     PRINCIPAL REDUCTION PAYMENTS
        ----------------------------

        Per paydown                                             $ 10.00

 X.     DIVIDEND CHARGES 
        ----------------
        (for items held at the Request of Traders over 
        record date in street form)                             $ 50.00

        

XI.     SPECIAL SERVICES
        ----------------

        Fees for activities of a non-recurring nature such as fund
        consolidations  or reorganizations, extraordinary security shipments
        and the preparation of special reports will be subject to negotiation. 
        Fees for tax accounting/recordkeeping for options, financial futures,
        and other special items will be negotiated separately.
        
XII.    OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
        ----------------------

        A billing for the recovery of applicable out-of-pocket expenses will be 
        made as of the end of each month.  Out-of-pocket expenses include, but 
        are not limited to the following:


                Telephone
                Wire Charges ($4.70 per wire in and $4.55 out)
                Postage and Insurance
                Courier Service
                Duplicating
                Legal Fees
                Supplies Related to Fund Records
                Rush Transfer -- $8.00 each
                Transfer Fees
                Sub-Custodian Charges
                Price Waterhouse Audit Letter
                Federal Reserve Fee for Return Check items over $2,500 -- 
                $4.25 each
                GNMA Transfer -- $15.00 each
                


<PAGE>   50
                                                          [STATE STREET LOGO]


XIII.   PAYMENT

        The above fees will be charged against the fund's custodian checking
        account five (5) days after the invoice is mailed to the fund's
        offices.











HARBOR VALUE                            STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
- ----------------------------            -----------------------------------

By:     /s/ Ronald C. Boller            By:     /s/ Michael L. Williams
        --------------------                    -----------------------

Title:  President                       Title:  Vice President
        --------------------                    -----------------------

Date:   October 28, 1993                Date:   10-25-93
        --------------------                    -----------------------









<PAGE>   51
                         AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT


         Agreement made by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"Custodian") and Harbor Fund (formerly Harbor Growth Fund) (the "Fund").

         WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a custodian contract
dated November 11, 1986 as amended August 15, 1988, November 1, 1988, January 2,
1992, and May 18, 1992 (the "Custodian Contract") governing the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains custody of the securities and
other assets of the Fund; and

         WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund desire to amend the terms and
conditions under which the Custodian maintains the Fund's securities and other
non-cash property in the custody of certain foreign sub-custodians in conformity
with the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained
herein, the Custodian and the Fund hereby amend the Custodian Contract by the
addition of the following terms and provisions;

         1. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary set forth in the
Custodian Contract, the Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
property for all of its customers, including the Fund, with a foreign
sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as belonging to the
Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the
records of the Custodian with respect to securities and other non-cash property
of the Fund which are maintained in such account shall identify by book-entry
those securities and other non-cash property belonging to the Fund and (ii) the
Custodian shall require that securities and other non-cash property so held by
the foreign sub-custodian be held separately from any assets of the foreign
sub-custodian or of others.

         2. Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and
provisions of the Custodian Contract shall continue to apply with full force and
effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed as a sealed instrument in its name and behalf by its duly authorized
representative this 27th day of July, 1995.

                                   HARBOR FUND

                                   By: /s/ Constance L. Souders
                                   ----------------------------

                                   Title:   Treasurer
                                   ----------------------------


                                   STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                                   By:/s/ Timothy Panard
                                   -----------------------------

                                   Title: Vice President
                                   -----------------------------

<PAGE>   52
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]

                      
                       STATE STREET BANK & TRUST COMPANY

                       Credit Balance Arrangement for:

                                Harbor Growth
                             Harbor International
                         Harbor Capital Appreciation
                                 Harbor Value
                                  Harbor Bond
                             Harbor Money Market
                            Harbor Short Duration
                         Harbor International Growth

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I.      Daily Services: 
        DDA Research: photocopy of transactions front and back, adjustment
        request--checkwriting redemptions--manual internal bank transfers--stop
        payments--redemption/distribution accounts

           Monthly Fund Complex Fee:                         $2,000.00

II.     Deposit Processing Transactions:
        paid check, deposited item,
        cwp checks, and deposit                              $0.50 per item

III.    ACH Processing:
           Monthly Fund Complex Fee:                         $420.00

IV.     FDIC Fee:
           On total average monthly balance; $375.00 per million

V.      Global Cash Management--Funds Transfer System:
           Wire Fee                                          $5.00 per wire
           Internal Bank Transfer                            $1.50 per IBT
           Account Fee                                       $50.00 per account

VI.     Earnings Credit:
        A balance credit equal to 75% of the federal funds rate in
        effect on the last business day of each month will be applied to the
        average demand deposit account balances on a volume based basis against
        each Fund's custodian fees, excluding out of pocket expenses.  The
        balances will be cumulative and carried forward each month through
        December 31.
   
Harbor Fund                               State Street Bank & Trust Company
By:  Constance L. Souders                 By:  Timothy Panard
     --------------------                      ------------------
Title:   Treasurer                        Title:  Vice President
       ------------------                       -----------------
Date:  8/1/95                             Date: 7/28/95
       ------------------                       -----------------
    







<PAGE>   53
                                                                      EXHIBIT 8
                                                            [STATE STREET-LOGO]

                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

                         GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE

                             HARBOR INTERNATIONAL
                           HARBOR INTERNATIONAL II
                         HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

 I.     PORTFOLIO AND FUND ACCOUNTING
        -----------------------------

        Includes:  Maintaining multicurrency investment ledgers, and providing
        position and income reports.  Maintaining general ledger and capital
        stock accounts in compliance with GAAP (FAS 52).  Preparing daily trial
        balances.  Calculating net asset values daily.  Providing selected
        general ledger reports.  Securities yield or market value quotations
        will be provided to State Street by the fund or via State Street's
        pricing service (See Section III).  (The fee is calculated using basis
        points per portfolio per annum:  1 basis point=0.01%).

        1-6 months                     No charge
        6-12 months                    No minimum

        Thereafter:
        First $100 million             3 bpts.
        Thereafter                     1.5 bpts.
 
        Minimum monthly fee            $3,000

II.     CUSTODY
        -------

        Includes:  Maintaining custody of fund assets.  Settling portfolio
        purchases and sales.  Reporting buy and sell fails.  Determining and
        collecting portfolio income.  Making cash disbursements and reporting
        cash transactions.  Monitoring corporate actions.  Withholding foreign
        taxes.  Filing foreign tax reclaims.

        A.     Holding Fees (basis points per portfolio per annum):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Group I        Group II         Group III        Group IV        Group V           Group VI        Group VII
- -------        --------         ---------        --------        -------           --------        ---------
<S>            <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>
Australia      Canada           Austria          Belgium         Hong Kong         Argentina       Bangladesh
Denmark        France           Ireland          Finland         Korea             Brazil          China
Euroclear      New Zealand      Italy            Indonesia       Mexico            Chile           Columbia
Germany        Switzerland      Netherlands      Malaysia        Portugal          Greece          India
Japan          United Kingdom   Norway           Singapore       Spain             Philippines     Israel
                                Sweden                           Taiwan            Turkey          Hungary
                                                                 Thailand          Venezuela       Pakistan
                                                                 S. Africa                         Peru
                                                                                                   Uruguay

</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Group I      Group II       Group III      Group IV      Group V       Group VI      Group VII
                         -------      --------       ---------      --------      -------       --------      ---------
<S>                      <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
First $100 million         5.0          9.0            10.0            14.0         20.0           30.0          40.0
Thereafter                 4.0          7.0             8.0            12.0         18.0           30.0          40.0

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   54
                                                            [STATE STREET-LOGO]

     B.  Transaction Charges (U.S. Dollars):*
         -------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Group I       Group II       Group III       Group IV       Group V       Group VI
     -------       --------       ---------       --------       -------       --------
     <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
     $30           $60            $75             $100           $125           $150
     Canada        Austria        Australia       Argentina      Indonesia      Hungary
     Euroclear     Chile          Brazil          Belgium        Philippines    Portugal
     Germany       Hong Kong      Ireland         Denmark        Greece         India
     Japan         Italy          Mexico          Finland        Peru
     Korea         Netherlands    Spain           France
                   Switzerland    Sweden          New Zealand
                   U.K.           Thailand        Norway
                   Taiwan*        Venezuela       Singapore
                                  Turkey          Malaysia
                                  S. Africa


</TABLE>

      * Excludes: agent, depository and local auditing fees
     ** Transaction charge waived if brokerage provided by National Securities
        Company

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                <C>
     UNITED STATES - for each line item processed

     State Street Bank Repos                                             $ 7.00
     
     DTC or Fed Book Entry Buy/Sell                                      $12.00

     New York Physical                                                   $25.00

     PTC Buy/Sell                                                        $20.00

     All other trades                                                    $16.00

     Maturity Collections                                                $ 8.00

     Option charge for each option written or closing contract,
     per issue, per broker                                               $25.00

     Option expiration/Option exercised                                  $15.00

     Interest Rate Futures--no security movement                         $ 8.00

     Monitoring for calls and processing coupons --
     for each coupon issue held--monthly charge                          $ 5.00

     Holdings charge per security per month                              $ 5.00

     Principal reduction payments per paydown                            $10.00

     Dividend charges (for items held at the request of 
     traders over record date in street form)                            $50.00
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   55
                                                          [STATE STREET LOGO]




III.    PRICING SERVICE

        Monthly Base Fee per Portfolio                          $375.00

        Monthly Quote Charge: (based on the average
        number of positions in portfolio)

        - Foreign Equities and Bonds via Extel Ltd.             $  6.00
        - Listed Equities, OTC Equities, and Bonds              $  6.00

 IV.    SPECIAL SERVICES

        Fees for activities of non-recurring nature such as consolidations or
        reorganizations, extraordinary security shipments and the preparation   
        of special reports will be subject to negotiation. Fees for automated
        pricing, standardized yield calculation, and other special items will
        be negotiated separately.


  V.    OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES

        A billing for the recovery of applicable out-of-pocket expenses will be
        made as of the end of each month. Out-of-pocket expenses include, but
        are not limited to the following:

        Telephone/Telexes
        Wire Charges ($5.25 per wire in and $5.00 out)
        Postage and Insurance
        Courier Service
        Duplicating
        Legal Fees
        Transfer Fees
        Sub-Custodian Out-of-Pocket Charges (e.g. stamp duties, registration,
        etc.)
        Price Waterhouse Audit Letter
        Federal Reserve Fee for Return Check Items Over $2,500 -- $5.25 each
        GNMA Transfer - $15.00 Each


HARBOR FUND                             STATE STREET BANK & TRUST CO.

By:    /s/ Ronald C. Boller             By:    /s/ Authorized Signor
       -----------------------------           -----------------------------

Title: President                        Title: Vice President
       -----------------------------           -----------------------------
                                                          
Date:  May 6, 1996                      Date:  May 16, 1996
       -----------------------------           -----------------------------    
<PAGE>   56
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]

                     STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
                                      
                      AMENDMENT TO CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
                                      
                                GLOBAL CUSTODY

                                      
                              HARBOR GROWTH FUND
                                      
                             HARBOR INTERNATIONAL
                                      
                       HARBOR CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
                                      
                              HARBOR VALUE FUND
                                      
                               HARBOR BOND FUND
                                      
                          HARBOR SHORT DURATION FUND
                                      
                             HARBOR MONEY MARKET
                                      
                           HARBOR INTERNATIONAL II
                                      
                         HARBOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH


I.      CUSTODY

        Includes:  Maintaining custody of fund assets. Settling portfolio 
        purchases and sales.  Reporting buy and sell fails.  Determining and
        collecting portfolio income.  Making cash disbursements and reporting
        cash transactions.  Monitoring corporate actions.  Withholding foreign
        taxes.  Filing foreign tax reclaims.
        
        A.   Holding Fees (basis points per portfolio per annum):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Group I         Group II                Group III       Group IV        Group V         Group VI        Group VII
- -------         --------                ---------       --------        -------         --------        ---------
<S>            <C>                     <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
Australia       Canada                  Austria         Belgium         Hong Kong       Argentina       Bangladesh
Denmark         France                  Ireland         Finland         Korea           Brazil          China
Euroclear       New Zealand             Italy           Indonesia       Mexico          Chile           Columbia
Germany         Switzerland             Netherlands     Malaysia        Portugal        Greece          India
Japan           United Kingdom          Norway          Singapore       Spain           Philippines     Israel
                                        Sweden                          Taiwan          Turkey          Hungary
                                                                        Thailand        Venezuela       Pakistan
                                                                        S. Africa                       Peru
                                                                                                        Uruguay
                                                                                                        Poland
                                                                                                        Russia
<CAPTION>
                        Group I     Group II    Group III   Group IV    Group V   Group VI    Group VII 
                        -------     --------    ---------   --------    -------   --------    ---------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>                              
First $100 million        5.0         9.0         10.0       14.0        20.0       30.0        40.0
Thereafter                4.0         7.0          8.0       12.0        18.0       30.0        40.0
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   57
                                                             [STATE STREET LOGO]


B. Transaction Charges (U.S. Dollars): *


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Group I         Group II        Group III     Group IV      Group V        Group VI
- -------         --------        ---------     --------      -------        --------
<S>            <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>                           
$30             $60             $75           $100          $125           $150
Canada          Austria         Australia     Argentina     Indonesia      Hungary
Euroclear       Chile           Brazil        Belgium       Philippines    Portugal
Germany         Hong Kong       Ireland       Denmark       Greece         India
Japan           Italy           Mexico        Finland       Peru           Russia
Korea           Netherlands     Spain         France        Poland
                Switzerland     Sweden        New Zealand
                U.K.            Thailand      Norway
                Taiwan *        Venezuela     Singapore
                                Turkey        Malaysia
                                S. Africa
</TABLE>

   * Excludes: agent, depository and local auditing fees







HARBOR FUND                             STATE STREET BANK & TRUST CO.

By:  /s/ Constance L. Souders           By: /s/ Authorized Signor
     -------------------------              --------------------------

Title:  Treasurer                       Title:    Vice President
       -----------------------                  ----------------------

Date:     7/26/96                       Date:     July 19, 1996                 
      -----------------------                   ----------------------
<PAGE>   58
                        AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT

     This Amendment to the Custodian Contract is made as of February 23, 1998
by and between Harbor Fund (the "Fund") and State Street Bank and Trust Company
(the "Custodian").  Capitalized terms used in this Amendment without definition
shall have the respective meanings given to such terms in the Custodian
Contract referred to below.

     WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian entered into a Custodian Contract
dated as of November 11, 1986 (as amended and in effect from time to time, the
"Contract"); and

     WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets, and the Fund has made Harbor International Growth Fund,
Harbor International Fund, Harbor International Fund II, Harbor Growth Fund,
Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund, Harbor Value Fund, Harbor Bond Fund, Harbor
Short Duration Fund and Harbor Money Market Fund subject to the Contract (each
such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the
Fund and made subject to the Contract in accordance with the terms thereof,
shall be referred to as a "Portfolio", and, collectively, the "Portfolios");
and

     WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to amend certain provisions of
the Contract to reflect revisions to Rule 17f-5 ("Rule 17f-5") promulgated
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and

     WHEREAS, the Fund and the Custodian desire to amend and restate certain
other provisions of the Contract relating to the custody of assets of each of
the Portfolios held outside of the United States.

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereby agree to amend the
Contract, pursuant to the terms thereof, as follows:

I.   Article 3 of the Contract is hereby deleted, and Articles 4 through 16 of
     the Contract are hereby renumbered, as of the effective date of this
     Amendment, as Articles 5 through 17, respectively.

II.  New Articles 3 and 4 of the Contract are hereby added, as of the
     effective date of this Amendment, as set forth below.

3.   THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

3.1. DEFINITIONS.

Capitalized terms in this Article 3 shall have the following meanings:


<PAGE>   59

"Country Risk" means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of
holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to,
such country's political environment; economic and financial infrastructure
(including any Mandatory Securities Depositories operating in the country);
prevailing or developing custody and settlement practices; and laws and
regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held
in custody in that country.

"Eligible Foreign Custodian" has the meaning set forth in section (a)(1) of
Rule 17f-5, including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank
(as defined in Rule 17f-5) or a bank holding company meeting the requirements
of an Eligible Foreign Custodian  (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other
appropriate action of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC")), except that the term does not include Mandatory Securities
Depositories.

"Foreign Assets" means any of the Portfolios' investments (including foreign
currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such
cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios'
transactions in such investments.

"Foreign Custody Manager" has the meaning set forth in section (a)(2) of Rule
17f-5 and shall specifically mean the Delegate.

"Mandatory Securities Depository" means a Securities Depository that, either as
a legal or practical matter, must be used if the Fund determines to place
Foreign Assets in a country outside the United States (i) because required by
law or regulation; (ii) because securities cannot be withdrawn from such
Securities Depository; or (iii) because maintaining or effecting trades in
securities outside the Securities Depository is not consistent with prevailing
or developing custodial or market practices.

"Proper Instructions" has the meaning set forth in the Contract.

"Securities Depository" means a securities depository or clearing agency
selected by the Custodian and meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign
Custodian (as defined in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the SEC).

3.2. DELEGATION TO THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

The Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio, by resolution adopted by its Board of
Trustees (the "Board"), hereby appoints the Custodian as the Foreign Custody
Manager of each Portfolio and delegates to the Custodian the responsibilities
set forth in this Article 3 with respect to Foreign Assets of each Portfolio
held outside the United States, and the Custodian hereby accepts such
delegation.



                                      2
<PAGE>   60

3.3. COUNTRIES COVERED.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated
responsibilities defined below only with respect to (i) the countries for which
the Foreign Custody Manager has received Proper Instructions to open an account
or to place or maintain Foreign Assets and, (ii) with respect to such
countries, the custody arrangements listed on Schedule A to this Contract
(which Schedule A may be amended from time to time by the Foreign Custody
Manager) with respect to which the Fund has fulfilled the applicable account
opening requirements.  The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A the
Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain
the assets of each Portfolio.  Mandatory Securities Depositories and Special
Sub-Custodians are listed on Schedule B to this Contract, which Schedule B may
be amended from time to time by the Foreign Custody Manager.  The Foreign
Custody Manager will provide amended versions of Schedules A and B in
accordance with Section 3.7 of this Article 3.

Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open
an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in a country listed on
Schedule A, and the fulfillment by the Fund of the applicable account opening
requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to
have been delegated by the Board responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with
respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation.  Execution of
this Agreement by the Fund shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open
an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in each country listed on
Schedule A in which the Custodian has previously placed or currently maintains
Foreign Assets pursuant to the terms of the Contract.   Following the receipt
of Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the
account of a Portfolio with the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the
Foreign Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board to
the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of that Portfolio with respect to that
country shall be deemed to have been withdrawn and the Custodian shall
immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolio with
respect to that country.

The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated
responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon written notice to
the Fund.  Thirty days (or such other period as to which the parties agree in
writing) after receipt of any such notice by the Fund, the Custodian shall have
no further responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager to a Portfolio with
respect to the country as to which the Custodian s acceptance of delegation is
withdrawn.



                                      3
<PAGE>   61

3.4. SCOPE OF DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITIES.

     3.4.1.  SELECTION OF ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS.

Subject to the provisions of this Article 3, the Foreign Custody Manager may
place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of the Eligible Foreign
Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each country listed on
Schedule A (as amended from time to time) with respect to which countries (a)
the Foreign Custody Manager has received Proper Instructions to open an account
or to place or maintain Foreign Assets and (b) the Fund has fulfilled the
applicable account opening requirements.

In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to
place or maintain Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the
Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject
to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the
country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Eligible Foreign
Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such
assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule
17f-5(c)(1).

     3.4.2.  CONTRACTS WITH ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract (or the rules or
established practices or procedures in the case of an Eligible Foreign
Custodian that is a foreign securities depository or clearing agency) governing
the foreign custody arrangements with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected
by the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule
17f-5(c)(2).

     3.4.3.  MONITORING.

In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with
an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager, the
Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor at reasonable
intervals the initial and continuing appropriateness of (i) maintaining the
Foreign Assets with such Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the contract
governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager
with the Eligible Foreign Custodian.  In the event the Foreign Custody Manager
determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian it
has selected are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall
withdraw all Foreign Assets from such Eligible Foreign Custodian as soon as is
reasonably practicable and notify the Board in accordance with Section 3.7
hereunder.




                                      4
<PAGE>   62

3.5. GUIDELINES FOR THE EXERCISE OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY.

It shall not be the responsibility of the Foreign Custody Manager to consider
Country Risk as part of its delegated responsibilities pursuant to this
Amendment.  The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, and the Custodian each
expressly acknowledge that the Foreign Custody Manager shall not be delegated
any responsibilities under this Article 3 with respect to Mandatory Securities
Depositories other than as set forth in Section 3.10 hereof.

3.6. STANDARD OF CARE AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER OF A PORTFOLIO.

In performing the responsibilities delegated to it, the Foreign Custody Manager
agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person
having responsibility for the safekeeping of assets of management investment
companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
would exercise.  The Foreign Custody Manager agrees to promptly notify the
Board if the Foreign Custody Manager believes it cannot perform its duties as
set forth herein in accordance with the foregoing standard of care, either
generally or with respect to a specific country set forth on Schedule A.

3.7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets
from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets
with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Board amended
Schedules A or B.  The Foreign Custody Manager shall make written reports
notifying the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody
arrangements of a Portfolio described in this Article 3.  Amended Schedules A
and B and such reports of material change shall be provided to the Board no
later than the regularly scheduled quarterly Board meeting next following the
event to be reported; if the Foreign Custody Manager determines that any matter
should be reported prior to such a Board meeting, it shall direct such report
to the Fund's secretary.  The Foreign Custody Manager shall provide the Board
at least annually, in a form to be mutually agreed upon from time to time by
the Fund and the Foreign Custody Manager, with (i) information relating to the
Foreign Custody Manager's ability to perform its duties as described herein,
and (ii) certification of the Foreign Custody Manager's compliance with the
provisions of Rule 17f-5.

3.8. REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO RULE 17F-5.

The Foreign Custody Manager represents to the Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as
defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5.

The Fund represents to the Custodian that the Board has determined that it is
reasonable for the Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the
responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Contract to the Custodian as the
Foreign Custody Manager of each Portfolio.




                                      5
<PAGE>   63

3.9. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION OF THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY
     MANAGER.

The Board s delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of a
Portfolio shall be effective as of the date of execution of this Amendment and
shall remain in effect until terminated at any time, without penalty, by
written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party.
Termination will become effective thirty days  (or such other period as to
which the parties agree in writing) after receipt by the non-terminating party
of such notice.  The provisions of Section 3.3 of this Article 3 shall govern
the delegation to and termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager
of the Fund with respect to designated countries.

3.10 INFORMATION REGARDING COUNTRY RISK.

The Custodian shall provide to the Board (and, in accordance with Proper
Instructions, its duly-authorized agents) reports advising the Fund promptly
after any change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Fund involving a
Mandatory Securities Depository.  The Custodian will act in accordance with
Proper Instructions with respect to the liquidation or other withdrawal of
Foreign Assets from a Mandatory Securities Depository.

In the event that the Foreign Custody Manager shall in the future offer review
or other information services with respect to Mandatory Securities Depositories
other than as set forth herein, it agrees that it shall notify the Fund thereof
and negotiate in good faith with the Fund with respect thereto.


4.   DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF A PORTFOLIO HELD
     OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

4.1  DEFINITIONS.

Capitalized terms in this Article 4 shall have the following meanings in the
Contract:

"Foreign Securities System" means either a Securities Depository listed on
Schedule A hereto or a Mandatory Securities Depository listed on Schedule B
hereto.

"Foreign Sub-Custodian" means a foreign banking institution serving as an
Eligible Foreign Custodian.



                                      6
<PAGE>   64

4.2. HOLDING SECURITIES.

The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to a Portfolio, the
foreign securities held by each Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities
System.  The Custodian may hold foreign securities for all of its customers,
including each Portfolio, with any Foreign Sub-Custodian in an account that is
identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers,
provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to such
securities which are maintained in such account shall identify those securities
as belonging to the Portfolio and (ii) the Custodian shall require that
securities so held by the Foreign Sub-Custodian be held separately from any
assets of such Foreign Sub-Custodian or of other customers of such Foreign
Sub-Custodian.

4.3. FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS.

Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in writing by the Custodian and the
Fund, foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in
a designated country only through arrangements implemented by the Foreign
Sub-Custodian in such country pursuant to the terms of this Contract.

4.4. TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT.

     4.4.1.  DELIVERY OF FOREIGN ASSETS.


The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall release and deliver foreign
securities of a Portfolio held by such Foreign Sub-Custodian, or in a Foreign
Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may
be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in
the following cases:

     (i)   upon the sale of such foreign securities for the Portfolio in
           accordance with commercially reasonable market practice in the
           country where such Assets are held or traded, including, without
           limitation:  (A) delivery against expectation of receiving later
           payment; or (B) in the case of a sale effected through a Foreign
           Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the
           operation of the Foreign Securities System;
      
     (ii)  in connection with any repurchase agreement related to
           foreign securities;
      
     (iii) to the depository agent in connection with tender or other
           similar offers for foreign securities of the Portfolio;

     (iv)  to the issuer thereof or its agent when such foreign
           securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become
           payable;



                                      7
<PAGE>   65
           
    (v)    to the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
           name of the Custodian (or the name of the respective Foreign
           Sub-Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or such Foreign
           Sub-Custodian) or for exchange for a different number of bonds,
           certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face
           amount or number of units;
     
    (vi)   to brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for
           examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom;
           provided that in any such case the Foreign Sub-Custodian shall have
           no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the
           delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such
           securities except as may arise from the Foreign Sub-Custodian's own
           negligence or willful misconduct;
     
    (vii)  for exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
           consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of
           the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
           provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant
           to any deposit agreement;
     
    (viii) in the case of warrants, rights or similar foreign securities, the
           surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
           similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary
           securities for definitive securities;

    (ix)   for delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by
           the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Portfolio;
      
    (x)    in connection with trading in options and futures contracts,
           including delivery as original margin and variation margin;
      
    (xi)   in connection with the lending of foreign securities; and

    (xii)  for any other proper trust purpose, but only upon receipt
           of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a resolution of
           the Board or of an Executive Committee of the Board so authorized by
           the Board, signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by its
           Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the resolution was duly
           adopted and is in full force and effect (a "Certified Resolution"),
           specifying the Foreign Assets to be delivered, setting forth the
           purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such
           purpose to be a proper trust purpose, and naming the person or
           persons to whom delivery of such Assets shall be made.



                                      8
<PAGE>   66

     4.4.2. PAYMENT OF PORTFOLIO MONIES.

Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out, or direct the
respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to
pay out, monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

    (i)    upon the purchase of foreign securities for the Portfolio,
           unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, by (A) delivering
           money to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for
           such seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later
           delivery of such foreign securities; or (B) in the case of a
           purchase effected through a Foreign Securities System, in accordance
           with the rules governing the operation of such Foreign Securities
           System;
      
    (ii)   in connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender of
           foreign securities of the Portfolio;
     
    (iii)  for the payment of any expense or liability of the Portfolio
           including but not limited to the following payments:  interest,
           taxes, investment advisory fees, transfer agency fees, fees under
           this Contract, legal fees, accounting fees, and other operating
           expenses;
     
    (iv)   for the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign
           exchange contracts for the Portfolio, including transactions
           executed with or through the Custodian or its Foreign
           Sub-Custodians;
     
    (v)    in connection with trading in options and futures contracts,
           including delivery as original margin and variation margin;
     
    (vii)  in connection with the borrowing or lending of foreign
           securities; and
     
    (viii) for any other proper trust purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
           addition to Proper Instructions, a Certified Resolution specifying
           the amount of such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such
           payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper trust
           purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to
           be made.

    4.4.3. MARKET CONDITIONS; MARKET INFORMATION.

Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary, settlement and
payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of a Portfolio and delivery
of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of a Portfolio may be effected in
accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing
practices and procedures in the 


                                      9
<PAGE>   67

country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without
limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer
therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of
receiving later payment for such Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer.
        
The Custodian shall provide to the Board the information with respect to
custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs a
Foreign Sub-Custodian, including without limitation information relating to
Foreign Securities Systems, described on Schedule C hereto at the time or times
set forth on such Schedule.  The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to
time, provided that no such revision shall result in the Board being provided
with substantively less information than had been previously provided
hereunder.

4.5. REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN SECURITIES.

The foreign securities maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund (on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio) or in the name of the Custodian or in the
name of any Foreign Sub-Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the
foregoing for the benefit of the Fund, and the Fund agrees to hold any such
nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign
securities.  The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall not be obligated to
accept securities on behalf of the Fund (on behalf of the applicable Portfolio)
under the terms of this Contract unless the form of such securities and the
manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with reasonable market
practice.

4.6. BANK ACCOUNTS.

A bank account or bank accounts opened and maintained outside the United States
on behalf of a Portfolio with a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall be subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian, acting pursuant
to the terms of this Contract to hold cash received by or from or for the
account of the Portfolio.

4.7. COLLECTION OF INCOME.

The Custodian shall use reasonable endeavors to promptly collect all income and
other payments in due course with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder
to which a Portfolio shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as
collected, to the Portfolio. In the event that extraordinary measures are
required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to
such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating
to such measures.



                                     10
<PAGE>   68

4.8. PROXIES.

The Custodian will generally with respect to the foreign securities held under
this Article 4 use its reasonable endeavors to facilitate the exercise of
voting and other shareholder proxy rights, subject always to the laws,
regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such
securities are issued.  The Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including
lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other
factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of the Fund to
exercise shareholder rights.

4.9. COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN SECURITIES.

The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund written information
(including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of foreign
securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith) received by the
Custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities
being held for the account of a Portfolio.  With respect to tender or exchange
offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund written information
so received by the Custodian from issuers of the foreign securities whose
tender or exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the
tender or exchange offer.  The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely
exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with
foreign securities or other property of the Portfolio at any time held by it
unless (i) the Custodian or the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian is in actual
possession of such foreign securities or property and (ii) the Custodian
receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or
power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least two business days prior to the date
on which such right or power is to be exercised.

4.10. LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS AND FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS.

Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian
shall require the Foreign Sub-Custodian to exercise the commercially usual
level of care for such market in the performance of its duties and, to the
extent possible, to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian from and
against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or
in connection with such Foreign Sub-Custodian's performance of such
obligations.  At the election of the Fund, the Fund shall be entitled to be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a
Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund and any applicable
Portfolio has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim.

4.11. TAX LAW.

The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now
or hereafter imposed on the Fund, the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian
of the 


                                     11
<PAGE>   69

Portfolios by the tax law of the United States or of any state or political
subdivision thereof.  With respect to jurisdictions other than the United
States, the sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to the tax law of
any such jurisdiction shall be to use reasonable efforts to (a) notify the Fund
of the obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the
Fund by the tax law of such jurisdictions, including responsibility for
withholding and other taxes, assessment or other governmental charges,
certifications and government reporting and (b) perform such ministerial steps
as are required to collect any tax refund, to ascertain the appropriate rate of
tax withholding and to provide such documents as may be required to enable each
Fund to receive appropriate tax treatment under applicable tax laws and any
applicable treaty provisions.  The Custodian, in performance of its duties
under this Section, shall be entitled to treat each Fund as a Delaware business
trust which is "registered investment company" under the laws of the United
States, and it shall be the duty of each Fund to inform the Custodian of any
change in the organization, domicile or, to the extent within the knowledge of
the Fund, other relevant facts concerning tax treatment of the Fund and further
to inform the Custodian if the Fund is or becomes the beneficiary of any
special ruling or treatment not applicable to the general nationality and
category of entity of which the Fund is a part under general laws and treaty
provisions.  The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on any information
supplied by each Fund.  The Custodian may engage reasonable professional
advisors disclosed to the Fund by the Custodian, which may include attorneys,
accountants or financial institutions in the regular business of investment
administration and may rely upon advice received therefrom.
        
4.12 OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES.

The Custodian shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for
all governmental purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to foreign securities of each Portfolio held by it and in
connection with transfers of such securities.

4.13. LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN.

Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct
or the negligence or willful misconduct of a Sub-Custodian, the Custodian shall
be without liability to the Fund for any loss, liability, claim or expense
resulting from or caused by anything which is part of Country Risk.

The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a Foreign
Sub-Custodian to the same extent as set forth with respect to sub-custodians
generally in the Contract and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in
the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or a Foreign Securities Depository, the
Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or
acts of war or terrorism, or any other loss where the Sub-Custodian has
otherwise acted with reasonable care.



                                     12
<PAGE>   70

4.14 DIRECTION AS TO SPECIAL SUB-CUSTODIANS.

Upon receipt by the Custodian of Proper Instructions and a Certified
Resolution, the Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more of the Portfolios,
appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities described in such
Certified Resolution (and not part of the Custodian's then-current network of
sub-custodian banks) to be a Sub-Custodian for the purpose of effecting any
transaction(s) described in such Certified Resolution (each such entity a
"Special Sub-Custodian").  Each such duly-appointed Special Sub-Custodian shall
be listed on Schedule B hereto.  In connection with the appointment of any
Special Sub-Custodian, the Custodian shall enter into an agreement with the
Special Sub-Custodian the form of which shall be approved by the Fund.  The
Custodian shall not be liable to, and shall be kept indemnified by, the Fund
for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by such Fund, any
Portfolio or the Custodian, resulting from the actions or omissions of a
Special Sub-Custodian.


III. Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and
     provisions of the Contract shall continue to apply with full force and
     effect.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Contract
     prior to this Amendment and this Amendment, the terms of this Amendment
     shall prevail.  If the Custodian is delegated the responsibilities of
     Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to the terms of Article 3 hereof, in the
     event of any conflict between the provisions of Articles 3 and 4 hereof,
     the provisions of Article 3 shall prevail.









                                     13
<PAGE>   71

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the
date first above written.



WITNESSED BY:                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


/s/ Glenn Ciotti               By: /s/ Ronald E. Logue
- ----------------------             -----------------------------
Glenn Ciotti                   Name:   Ronald E. Logue
VP & Assoc. Counsel            Title:  Executive Vice President  
                            





WITNESSED BY:                  HARBOR FUND


   
/s/ Karen Brenner Wasil        By: /s/ Constance L. Souders
- -------------------------          -----------------------------
                               Name:  Constance L. Souders
                               Title: Treasurer
    






<PAGE>   72




                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                           NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>               <C>                                     <C>           
Argentina          Citibank, N.A.                         --


Australia          Westpac Banking Corporation            --


Austria            Erste Bank der oesterreichischen       --
                   Sparkasen AG


Bahrain            The British Bank of the Middle East    --
                   (as delegate of the Hongkong and
                   Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)


Bangladesh         Standard Chartered Bank                --


Belgium            Generale Bank                          --


Bermuda            The Bank of Bermuda Limited            --


Bolivia            Banco Boliviano Americano              --


Botswana           Barclays Bank of Botswana Limited      --


Brazil             Citibank, N.A.                         --


Bulgaria           ING Bank N.V.                          --


Canada             Canada Trustco Mortgage Company        --


Chile              Citibank, N.A.                         --


People's Republic  The Hongkong and Shanghai              --
of China           Banking Corporation Limited,
                   Shanghai and Shenzhen branches


Colombia           Cititrust Colombia S.A.                --
                   Sociedad Fiduciaria
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   73


                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                           NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                                    <C>
Croatia            Privredana banka Zagreb d.d            --


Cyprus             Barclays Bank PLC                      --
                   Cyprus Offshore Banking Unit


Czech Republic     Ceskoslovenska Obchodni                --
                   Banka A.S.


Denmark            Den Danske Bank                        --


Ecuador            Citibank, N.A.                         --


Egypt              National Bank of Egypt                 --


Estonia            Hansabank                              --


Finland            Merita Bank Ltd.                       --


France             Banque Paribas                         --


Germany            Dresdner Bank AG                       --


Ghana              Barclays Bank of Ghana Limited         --


Greece             National Bank of Greece S.A            Bank of Greece


Hong Kong          Standard Chartered Bank                --


Hungary            Citibank Budapest Rt.                  --


India              Deutsche Bank AG;                      --
                   The Hongkong and Shanghai
                   Banking Corporation Limited


Indonesia          Standard Chartered Bank                --
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   74


                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                           NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                                    <C>           
Ireland            Bank of Ireland                        --


Israel             Bank Hapoalim B.M.                     --


Italy              Banque Paribas                         --


Ivory Coast        Societe Generale de Banques            --
                   en Cote d'Ivoire


Jamaica            Scotiabank Trust and Merchant Bank     --


Japan              The Daiwa Bank, Limited;               Japan Securities Depository
                   The Fuji Bank, Limited                 Center;


Jordan             The British Bank of the Middle East    --
                   (as delegate of the Hongkong and
                   Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)


Kenya              Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited         --


Republic of Korea  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking      --
                   Corporation Limited


Latvia             Hansabank                              --

Lebanon            The British Bank of the Middle East    Custodian and 
                   (as delegate of the Hongkong and       Clearing Center of
                   Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)  Financial Instruments
                                                          for Lebanon 
                                                          (MIDCLEAR) S.A.L.;
     
Lithuania          Vilniaus Bankas AB                     --


Malaysia           Standard Chartered Bank                --
                   Malaysia Berhad


Mauritius          The Hongkong and Shanghai              --
                   Banking Corporation Limited
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   75


                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                            NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                                     <C>
Mexico             Citibank Mexico, S.A.                   --


Morocco            Banque Commerciale du Maroc             --


Namibia            (via) Standard Bank of South Africa     -


The Netherlands    MeesPierson N.V.                        --


New Zealand        ANZ Banking Group                       --
                   (New Zealand) Limited


Norway             Christiania Bank og                     --
                   Kreditkasse


Oman               The British Bank of the Middle East     --
                   (as delegate of the Hongkong and
                   Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)


Pakistan           Deutsche Bank AG                        --


Peru               Citibank, N.A.                          --


Philippines        Standard Chartered Bank                 --


Poland             Citibank Poland S.A.                    --


Portugal           Banco Comercial Portugues               --


Romania            ING Bank, N.V.                          --


Russia             Credit Suisse First Boston, Zurich      --
                   via Credit Suisse First Boston
                   Limited, Moscow


Singapore          The Development Bank                    --
                   of Singapore Ltd.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   76


                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              
         

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                            NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES         
<S>                <C>                                    <C>                   
Slovak Republic    Ceskoslovenska Obchodna                 --
                   Banka A.S.


Slovenia           Banka Creditanstalt d.d.                --


South Africa       Standard Bank of South Africa Limited   --


Spain              Banco Santander, S.A.                   --


Sri Lanka          The Hongkong and Shanghai               --
                   Banking Corporation Limited


Swaziland          Barclays Bank of Swaziland Limited      --


Sweden             Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken           --


Switzerland        Union Bank of Switzerland               --


Taiwan - R.O.C.    Central Trust of China                  --


Thailand           Standard Chartered Bank                 --




Trinidad & Tobago  Republic Bank Ltd.                      --


Tunisia            Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie  --


Turkey             Citibank, N.A.                          --


United Kingdom     State Street Bank and Trust             --


Uruguay            Citibank, N.A.                          --


Venezuela          Citibank, N.A.                          --
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   77



                             STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE A
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                SUBCUSTODIANS AND NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES              


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY            SUBCUSTODIAN                            NON-MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
<S>                <C>                                    <C>
Zambia             Barclays Bank of Zambia Limited         --

Zimbabwe           Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe Limited       --

Euroclear (The Euroclear System)

Cedel (Cedel Bank, societe anonyme)

INTERSETTLE (for EASDAQ Securities)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   78


                                STATE STREET                        SCHEDULE B
                           GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        COUNTRY                                       MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
        <S>                                           <C>       
        Argentina                                     -Caja de Valores S.A.;
                
                                                      -CRYL
        

        Australia                                     -Austraclear Limited;

                                                      -Reserve Bank Information and
                                                      Transfer System


        Austria                                       -Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG
                                                      (Wertpapiersammelbank Division)


        Belgium                                       -Caisse Interprofessionnelle de 
                                                      Depots et de Virements de Titres 
                                                      S.A.; 

                                                      -Banque Nationale de Belgique


        Brazil                                        - Camara de Liquidacao de Sao Paulo, (Calispa);

                                                      -Bolsa de Valores de Rio de Janeiro
                                                      - All SSB clients presently use Calispa
        
                                                      -Central de Custodia e de Liquidacao Financeira
                                                      de Titulos

                                                      -Banco Central do Brasil,
                                                      Systema Especial de Liquidacao e
                                                      Custodia


        Bulgaria                                      - Central Depository AD


        Canada                                        -The Canadian Depository
                                                      for Securities Limited; West Canada
                                                      Depository Trust Company [depositories linked]
</TABLE>




* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.

<PAGE>   79



                                 STATE STREET                     SCHEDULE B    
                            GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES


         
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          COUNTRY                       MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
          <S>                          <C>
          People's Republic             -Shanghai Securities Central Clearing and
          of China                      Registration Corporation;

                                        -Shenzhen Securities Central Clearing Co., Ltd.


          Croatia                       Ministry of Finance


          Czech Republic                -Stredisko cennych papiru;

                                        -Czech National Bank

          Denmark                       -Vaerdipapircentralen - The Danish
                                        Securities Center


          Egypt                         -Misr Company for Clearing, Settlement,
                                        and Central Depository


          Estonia                       -Eesti Vaartpaberite Keskdepositooruim


          Finland                       -The Finnish Central Securities
                                        Depository


          France                        -Societe Interprofessionnelle
                                        pour la Compensation des
                                        Valeurs Mobilieres;

                                        -Banque de France,
                                        Saturne System


          Germany                       -The Deutscher Kassenverein AG


          Greece                        -The Central Securities Depository
                                        (Apothetirion Titlon A.E.);


          Hong Kong                     -The Central Clearing and
                                         Settlement System;

                                        -The Central Money Markets Unit
</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.



<PAGE>   80



                                 STATE STREET                        SCHEDULE B
                            GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      COUNTRY                                   MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES  
      <S>                                       <C>     
      Hungary                                   -The Central Depository and Clearing
                                                House (Budapest) Ltd.
                                                [Mandatory for Gov't Bonds only;
                                                SSB does not use for other securities]


      India                                     The National Securities Depository Limited


      Indonesia                                 -Bank of Indonesia


      Ireland                                   -The Central Bank of Ireland,
                                                The Gilt Settlement Office


      Israel                                    -The Clearing House of the
                                                Tel Aviv Stock Exchange;

                                                -Bank of Israel


      Italy                                     -Monte Titoli S.p.A.;
        
                                                -Banca d'Italia


      Japan                                     -Bank of Japan Net System


      Republic of Korea                         -Korea Securities Depository Corporation


      Latvia                                    -The Latvian Central Depository


      Lebanon                                   -The Central Bank of Lebanon


      Lithuania                                 -The Central Securities Depository of Lithuania


      Malaysia                                  -Malaysian Central Depository Sdn.
                                                Bhd.;

                                                -Bank Negara Malaysia,
                                                Scripless Securities Trading and Safekeeping 
                                                Systems
</TABLE>


* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.



<PAGE>   81




                                 STATE STREET                        SCHEDULE B
                            GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES
        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        
         COUNTRY                                MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
         <S>                                    <C>
         Mauritius                              -The Central Depository & Settlement
                                                Co. Ltd.


         Mexico                                 -S.D. INDEVAL, S.A. de C.V.
                                                (Instituto para el Deposito de
                                                Valores);
         The Netherlands                        -Nederlands Centraal Instituut voor
                                                Giraal Effectenverkeer B.V. ("NECIGEF");


         New Zealand                            -New Zealand Central Securities
                                                Depository Limited
        

         Norway                                 -Verdipapirsentralen - The Norwegian
                                                Registry of Securities


         Oman                                   -Muscat Securities Market


         Peru                                   -Caja de Valores y Liquidaciones
                                                (CAVALI, S.A.)


         Philippines                            -The Philippines Central Depository Inc.

                                                -The Book-Entry-System of Bangko
                                                Sentral ng Pilipinas;

                                                -The Registry of Scripless Securities of the
                                                Bureau of the Treasury

         Poland                                 -The National Depository of Securities
                                                (Krajowy Depozyt Papierow Wartos ciowych);

                                                -National Bank of Poland


         Portugal                               -Central de Valores Mobiliarios
</TABLE>



* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.



<PAGE>   82


                                 STATE STREET                        SCHEDULE B 
                            GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         COUNTRY                                MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES  
        <S>                                    <C>      
         Romania                                -National Securities Clearing, Settlement and
                                                Depository Co.;
                        
                                                -Bucharest Stock Exchange;

                                                -National Bank of Romania


         Singapore                              -The Central Depository (Pvt.)
                                                Limited;

                                                -Monetary Authority of Singapore


         Slovak Republic                        -Stredisko Cennych Papierov;
        
                                                -National Bank of Slovakia


         Slovenia                               -Klirinsko Depotna Bruzba


         South Africa                           -The Central Depository Limited


         Spain                                  -Servicio de Compensacion y
                                                Liquidacion de Valores, S.A.;

                                                -Banco de Espana,
                                                Anotaciones en Cuenta


         Sri Lanka                              -Central Depository System
                                                (Pvt) Limited


         Sweden                                 -Vardepapperscentralen VPC AB -
                                                The Swedish Central Securities Depository


         Switzerland                            -Schweizerische Effekten - Giro AG;


         Taiwan - R.O.C.                        -The Taiwan Securities Central
                                                 Depository Company, Ltd.
</TABLE>

* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.




<PAGE>   83

                                 STATE STREET                       SCHEDULE B
                            GLOBAL CUSTODY NETWORK
                           MANDATORY* DEPOSITORIES





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         COUNTRY                                MANDATORY DEPOSITORIES
         <S>                                   <C>
         Thailand                               -Thailand Securities Depository
                                                Company Limited


         Tunisia                                -STICODEVAM;

                                                -Central Bank of Tunisia;

                                                -Tunisian Treasury


         Turkey                                 -Takas ve Saklama Bankasi A.S.;

                                                -Central Bank of Turkey


         United Kingdom                         -The Bank of England,
                                                The Central Gilts Office;
                                                The Central Moneymarkets Office


         Uruguay                                -Central Bank of Uruguay


         Zambia                                 -Lusaka Central Depository
</TABLE>







* Mandatory depositories include entities for which use is mandatory as a
matter of law or effectively mandatory as a matter of market practice.
<PAGE>   84
                                   SCHEDULE C

                               MARKET INFORMATION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PUBLICATION/TYPE OF INFORMATION                 BRIEF DESCRIPTION
(FREQUENCY)
<S>                                    <C>      
The Guide to Custody in World Markets
(annually):                             An overview of safekeeping and settlement practices and procedures
                                        in each market in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers
                                        custodial services.

The Depository Review (annually):       Information relating to the operating history and structure of depositories
                                        located in the markets in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers 
                                        custodial services, including transnational depositories.

legal opinions (annually):              With respect to each market in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers
                                        custodial services, opinions relating to whether local law restricts (i) access 
                                        of a fund's independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign 
                                        Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System, (ii) the Fund's ability to recover in 
                                        the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign 
                                        Securities System, (iii) the Fund's ability to recover in the event of a loss by a 
                                        Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System, and (iv) the ability of a foreign 
                                        investor to convert cash and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars.

Network Bulletins (weekly):             Developments of interest to investors in the markets in which State Street Bank and 
                                        Trust Company offers custodial services.

Foreign Custody Advisories (as
necessary):                             With respect to markets in which State Street Bank and Trust Company offers
                                        custodial services which exhibit special custody risks, developments which may impact
                                        State Street's ability to deliver expected levels of service.
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                EXHIBIT 99.B11
    



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


   
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 24 to the registration statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration
Statement") of our report dated December 16, 1997, relating to the financial
statements and financial highlights of each of the nine funds comprising the
Harbor Fund appearing in the October 31, 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders,
which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We
also consent to the references to us under the heading "Financial Highlights"
in the Prospectus and under the heading "Independent Accountants and Financial
Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information.
    

   
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 23, 1998
    


<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                EXHIBIT 99.B13
                                                
    
                              [WACHOVIA LETTERHEAD]
                                           

November 6, 1986





Harbor Growth Fund
One SeaGate
Toledo, Ohio  43666

Gentlemen:

The Owens-Illinois Master Retirement Trust (the "Trust") hereby
subscribes for and agrees to purchase, as of the next business day following the
effective date of the registration statement of Harbor Growth Fund (the "Fund"),
shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the net asset value of the assets of
the portfolio referred to in such registration statement. The Trust further
agrees to transfer such assets to the Fund as payment for such shares.

                                   WACHOVIA BANK & TRUST CO., N.A.
                                   TRUSTEE, OWENS-ILLINOIS
                                   MASTER RETIREMENT TRUST



                                   By   /s/ Joe O. Lorg
                                        ------------------------------
                                        Vice President







In accordance  with the  foregoing  subscription  agreement,  Harbor Growth Fund
hereby accepts the Trust  subscription for shares of the Fund and agrees to sell
such shares to the Trust at net asset value.

HARBOR GROWTH FUND

By:      /s/ Betty J. Csehi
         ----------------------------------------  
         Betty J. Csehi, Secretary/Treasurer


<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                 EXHBIIT 99.B18
    


                                 HARBOR FUND

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned Trustees of Harbor Fund
do hereby constitute and appoint RONALD C. BOLLER and CONSTANCE L. SOUDERS, and
each of them individually, to be our true and lawful attorneys and agents, with
full power to each of them, and each of them acting singly, to take any and all
action and execute any and all instruments which said attorneys and agents may
deem necessary or advisable to enable Harbor Fund to comply with

        (i)  the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, 
regulations, order or other requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder, in connection with the registration under such
Securities Act of 1933 of shares of beneficial interest of Harbor Fund, and

        (ii) the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules,
regulations, orders or other requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder, in connection with the registration of Harbor Fund under
such Investment Company Act of 1940.

including specifically, but without limitation of the foregoing power and
authority to sign our names on our behalf as Trustees and other capacity, if
any, as indicated below opposite our signatures hereto, to any registration
statement and any amendment or supplement (including post-effective amendments)
to the registration statement or such Securities Act of 1933 and such
Investment Company Act of 1940, and to execute any instruments or documents
filed or to be filed as a part of or in connection with such registration
statement or statements; and do hereby ratify and confirm all that said
attorneys and agents shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands as of the 27th day
of January, 1994.


 /s/ Ronald C. Boller
- -------------------------------
Ronald C. Boller                                Trustee
as Trustee and not individually




/s/ Howard P. Colhoun
- ------------------------------- 
Howard P. Colhoun                               Trustee
as Trustee and not individually




/s/ John P. Gould
- -------------------------------
John P. Gould                                   Trustee
as Trustee and not individually




/s/ Rodger F. Smith
- -------------------------------
Rodger F. Smith                                 Trustee
as Trustee and not individually





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