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JOHN HANCOCK TAX-EXEMPT SERIES FUND-CALIFORNIA PORTFOLIO
SUPPLEMENT TO CLASS A AND CLASS B PROSPECTUS
On May 1, 1995, the Trustees of the John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series
Fund-California Portfolio (the "Fund") voted to recommend that the
shareholders approve a tax-free reorganization of the Fund, as described
below.
Under the terms of the reorganization, subject to shareholder approval at a
shareholder meeting scheduled to be held on September 13, 1995, the Fund will
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock California
Tax-Free Fund ("California Tax-Free") in a tax-free exchange for shares of
equal value of California Tax-Free. Further information regarding the
proposed reorganization will be contained in a proxy statement and
prospectus, which are scheduled to be mailed to shareholders on or about July
21, 1995. Fund shares will no longer be sold after July 14, 1995.
May 2, 1995
6500S-5/95
