Dear Shareholder:
This is to inform you that we inadvertently omitted certain investors holding
greater than 5% of the outstanding shares of the fund from page 11 of the proxy
statement. On the reverse of this letter is a complete list of investors who own
5% or more of the outstanding shares of each fund. We apologize for any
inconvenience this may have caused you.
Your vote makes a difference!
Just a reminder to let you know that your vote is critical. Please review the
materials previously sent to you and complete, sign and return the proxy ballot
to us immediately. Your prompt response will help avoid the need for additional
mailings.
If you have any additional questions or need additional information, please
contact your investment professional or call your Client Relationship Officer at
1-800-544-3577, Monday through Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Eastern
Time.
Thank you for your prompt vote on this matter.
<PAGE>
Supplement to John Hancock Independence Growth Fund
and John Hancock Independence Value Fund Proxy
Please replace page 11 of the proxy with the following:
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUNDS
As of May 10, 1999, the following investors held of record 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of the funds. To the knowledge of each fund, no other
investors owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares
of the funds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Percentage of
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Outstanding Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------------------
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Glaval Corporation Savings Plan Independence Growth Fund 29.34%
55470 County Road
Elkhart, IN 46514
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Independence Investment Associates Independence Growth Fund 16.90%
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Elixir Industries 401(k) Plan Independence Growth Fund 13.63%
17925 S. Broadway
P.O. Box 470
Gardena, CA 90247
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
American Radio Association Retirement Independence Growth Fund 10.59%
Account Plan
360 West 31st Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
The Arden Group Inc. Independence Growth Fund 8.66%
401(k) Plan
2020 South Central Avenue
Compton, CA 90220
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
City of Highland Park Independence Growth Fund 5.50%
401(k) Plan
12050 Woodward Avenue
Highland Park, MI 48203
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Mendes & Mount LLP Independence Value Fund 27.04%
Retirement Plan
750 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Mendes & Mount LLP Independence Value Fund 26.55%
Retirement Plan II
750 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Glaval Corporation Savings Plan Independence Value Fund 15.66%
55470 County Road
Elkhart, IN 46514
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Independence Investment Associates Independence Value Fund 14.42%
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
CG Enterprises EE Sal Savings Independence Value Fund 9.07%
Retirement Plan
12001 Guilford Road
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
5/26/99
</TABLE>
