Exhibit g(1)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
NEW ENGLAND FUNDS TRUST III
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
Global\Series\Trust
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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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 in the United States............. 2
2.1 Holding Securities...................................... 2
2.2 Delivery of Securities.................................. 2
2.3 Registration of Securities.............................. 4
2.4 Bank Accounts........................................... 4
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds........................... 5
2.6 Collection of Income.................................... 5
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies.................................. 5
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
Securities Purchased.................................... 6
2.9 Appointment of Agents................................... 7
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System............. 7
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System............................................ 8
2.12 Segregated Account...................................... 9
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes................. 9
2.14 Proxies ................................................ 10
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Securities.............. 10
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
The Fund Held Outside of the United States......................... 10
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians................... 10
3.2 Assets to be Held....................................... 10
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems.............................. 11
3.4 Holding Securities...................................... 11
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions............ 11
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund........... 11
3.7 Reports by Custodian.................................... 11
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account................. 12
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians..................... 12
3.10 Liability of Custodian.................................. 12
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances.............................. 13
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities............................. 13
3.13 Branches of U.S. Bank................................... 13
3.14 Tax Law................................................. 14
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares
of the Fund......................................................... 14
5. Proper Instructions................................................. 14
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority Evidence of Authority... 15
7. Evidence of Authority............................................... 15
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account
and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income................... 15
9. Records............................................................. 16
10 Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants........................... 16
11 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants................... 16
12 Compensation of Custodian........................................... 16
13 Responsibility of Custodian......................................... 17
14 Effective Period, Termination and Amendment......................... 18
15 Successor Custodian................................................. 19
16 Interpretive and Additional Provisions.............................. 19
17 Additional Funds.................................................... 20
18 Massachusetts Law to Apply.......................................... 20
19 Prior Contracts..................................................... 20
20 Shareholder Communications Election................................. 20
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between New England Funds Trust III, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts with
its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
00000, hereinafter called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company with its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
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
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in one series, New
England Equity Income Fund (such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with Article 17, being herein referred to as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, 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
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the
Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Fund's
declaration of trust (the "Declaration of Trust"). The Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash of the
Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of principal or capital
distributions received by it with respect to all securities owned by the
Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for
such new or treasury shares of beneficial interest of the Fund representing
interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may be issued or sold from time to
time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio
held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (as such term is defined in Article
5), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to
time employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States, 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. The Custodian may employ as
sub-custodian for the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio(s) the foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories designated in Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the
provisions of Article 3.
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2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
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Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
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the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in
the United States including all domestic securities owned by such
Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2. 10 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
(each, a "U.S.Securities System") and (b) commercial paper of an issuer 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 (the "Direct Paper System") pursuant to Section
2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
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securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a U.S.
Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of
Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio,
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 Portfolio and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the
Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2. 10 hereof,
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
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 Portfolio 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 2.9 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
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aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any
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such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio, 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;
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, 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 Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as
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agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio prior to
the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of
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amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio of
the Fund;
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13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, 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 similar organization or organizations, regarding account
deposits in connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the
Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent for the Fund
(the "Transfer Agent") 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 currently effective
prospectus and statement of additional information of the Fund,
related to the Portfolio (the "Prospectus"), in satisfaction of
requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of,
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in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund or of the Executive Committee
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary (a "Certified Resolution"), specifying
the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth
the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person
or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
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(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in
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writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other
registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as the
Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant
to Section 2.9 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 Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be in
"street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs
the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall
utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such
securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant
corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls,
maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
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account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio 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
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the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio
in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule l7f-3 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Funds held
by the Custodian for a Portfolio 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
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to act as a custodian under the 1940 Act and that each such bank or trust
company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company
shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a
majority of the Board. 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 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund on
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behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the Custodian shall,
upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of a
Portfolio, make federal funds available to such Portfolio as of specified
times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares of such Portfolio which are
deposited into the Portfolio's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
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Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each
Portfolio 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 domestic securities if, on the date
of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its
agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to such
Portfolio'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 each Portfolio 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 Portfolio is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund
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on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions
when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies
of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of the
Portfolio but only (a) against the delivery of such securities or
evidence of title to such options, futures contracts or options
on future 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 of 1940
8
Act to act as a custodian and has been designated by the
Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered in the name
of the Portfolio 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 U.S. Securities
System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
2.10 hereof, (c) in the case of a purchase involving the Direct
Paper System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
Section 2.11; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered
into between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio 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
Portfolio of securities owned by the Custodian along with written
evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such
securities from the Portfolio 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 Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof,
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares as set forth in
Article 4 hereof,
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments
for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, 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 on Shares 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
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addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, 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 purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
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as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of a
Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of
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receipt of the securities purchased in the absence of specific written
instructions from the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in
advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such
securities to the same extent as if the securities had been received by the
Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
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discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the 1940 Act 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
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appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems. The Custodian may
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deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
under Section 17A of the Exchange Act, 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 "U.S. Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal
Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the
following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a U.S.
Securities System provided that such securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the U.S. 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
Portfolio which are maintained in a U.S. Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
2) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S.
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 Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities
sold for the account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice
from the U.S. 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 Portfolio. Copies of all
advices from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of
securities for the account of the Portfolio shall identify the
Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the Custodian and
be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon request, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio in the form of a written advice or
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notice and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
transactions in the U.S. Securities System for the account of the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the U.S. Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the U.S. Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case may be,
required by Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the
Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Portfolio resulting from
use of the U.S. 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 U.S. Securities System; at the election
of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights
of the Custodian with respect to any claim against the U.S.
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 Portfolio has not been made whole for any such
loss or damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian
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may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio 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 from the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in the
Direct Paper System Account, which account 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
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Portfolio 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 Portfolio. The Custodian shall
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transfer securities sold for the account of the Portfolio 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
Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio, 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 on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the U.S.
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
with any report on its system of internal accounting control as
the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
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Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of each such Portfolio, 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. 10 hereof, (i) in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, 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
Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by
the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of
compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment
Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases
of the SEC relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies and (iv) for other proper corporate
purposes, but only in the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in
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addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, a Certified Resolution setting forth the purpose
or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such purposes to
be proper corporate purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes The Custodian shall execute
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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 domestic securities of each Portfolio held by
it and in connection with transfers of securities.
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2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
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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 Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies,
without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be
voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all
proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such
securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
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provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to
the Fund for each Portfolio all written information (including,
without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of domestic
securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith and
notices of exercise of call and put options written by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures contracts
purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect
to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to
the Portfolio 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
Portfolio desires to take action with respect to any tender offer,
exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the Portfolio shall
notify the Custodian at least three business days prior to the date on
which the Custodian is to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
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Outside of the United States
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
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instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the
Portfolio's securities and other assets maintained outside the United
States the foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-
custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as defined in
Article 5 hereof, together with a Certified Resolution, the Custodian
and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to
designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the
employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining
custody of the Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
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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 1940 Act, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts
as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary
to effect the Portfolio's foreign securities transactions. The
Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund, the
foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
13
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
--------------------------
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Portfolios shall be
maintained in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in
a book-entry system for the central handling of securities located outside
the United States (each a "Foreign Securities System") only through
arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as
sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof (Foreign Securities Systems and
U.S. Securities Systems are collectively referred to herein as the
"Securities Systems"). Where possible, such arrangements shall include
entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5
hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities, 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.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
--------------------------------------------
banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit
I hereto and shall provide that: (a) the assets of each Portfolio will not
be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any
kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or agent,
except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration; (b)
beneficial ownership for the assets of each Portfolio will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other than for custody
or administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the
assets as belonging to each applicable Portfolio; (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 Portfolios 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 Portfolio(s) held by foreign sub-custodians, including
but not limited to an identification of entities having possession of the
Portfolio(s) securities and other assets and advices or
14
notifications of any transfers of securities to or from each custodial
account maintained by a foreign banking institution for the Custodian on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio indicating, as to securities acquired
for a Portfolio, the identity of the entity having physical possession of
such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided
---------------------------------------
in subsection (b) of this Section 3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and
2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign
----------------
securities of the Fund held outside the United States by foreign sub-
custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of each
applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for the account
of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in accordance with the
customary 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.
(c) 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 the Fund 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 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 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 3.13 hereof, 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 loss where the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised
reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section
3.10, in
15
delegating custody duties to State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall
not be relieved of any responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such
delegation, except such loss as may result from (a) political risk
(including, but not limited to, exchange control restrictions,
confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or
armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding a bankruptcy or
insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by political risk) due to
Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under circumstances where the
Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
--------------------------
cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio including
the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign
exchange, 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 applicable Portfolio 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 such Portfolio's
assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
---------------------------
Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign sub-
custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract. 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 any
material loss of the assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-
custodian not the subject of an exemptive order from the SEC is notified by
such 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' equity
has declined below $200 million (in each case computed in accordance with
generally accepted U.S. accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
----------------------
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the
Portfolios assets are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking
institution which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act
meeting 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 I hereof.
(b) Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be
maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the
Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to the direction
of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
16
3.14 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
-------
obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of America or any
state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility of
the Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on the Fund or
the Custodian as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions
other than those mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility
for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges,
certifications and governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the
Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to
assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the
tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from the
Transfer Agent and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such
payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued or sold from time
to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund
on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of
payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
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 Board
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, 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 shareholders. In
connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, 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.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing signed
or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board 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 Board accompanied by a detailed description of
procedures approved by the Board, Proper Instructions may include communications
effected
17
directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the
Board and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Portfolios' assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper
Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to
any three - party agreement which requires a segregated asset account in
accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
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 on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, 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 securities and property of the Portfolio except as
otherwise directed by the Board.
7. 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 Board 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 Board pursuant to
the Declaration of Trust as described in such vote, and such vote may be
considered as in fall force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written
notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value and Net Income
------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board to keep the books of account of each
Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per share of the outstanding Shares
or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value
18
per share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net
income of the Portfolio as described in the Prospectus and shall advise the Fund
and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net 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 income among its various
components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily
income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time
to time in the Prospectus.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio 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 1940 Act, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
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 SEC. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a
tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio 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.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of
each applicable Portfolio 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- I A, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to
any other requirements of such the SEC.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
-------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios
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 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, 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, the reports shall so state.
12. 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 on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
19
13. 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, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement. 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.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct or the negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent,
the Custodian shall be without liability to the Fund for any loss, liability,
claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or circumstances beyond
the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or Securities
System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including, without
limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the
closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or technological
failures or interruptions, or computer viruses or communications disruptions;
(ii) errors by the Fund or the Investment Advisor in their instructions to the
Custodian provided such instructions have been in accordance with this Contract;
(iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any
delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other
commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian's
sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made
in connection with securities sold; (v) any delay or failure of any company,
corporation, or other body in charge or registering or transferring securities
in the name of the Custodian, the Fund, the Custodian's sub-custodians, nominees
or agents or agents or any consequential losses arising out of such delay or
failure to transfer such securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends
and rights and other accretions or benefits; (vi) delays or inability to perform
its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any
particular security or Securities System; and (vii) any provision of any present
or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any
state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any
court of competent jurisdiction. Regardless of whether assets are maintained in
the custody of a foreign banking institution or a foreign securities depository,
the Custodian shall not be liable for "country risk", i.e., 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 or of a Portfolio in a foreign country including, but not limited to,
losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, imposition of currency
controls or restrictions, acts of war or terrorism, riots, revolutions, work
stoppages, natural disasters or other similar events or acts.
20
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, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents,
to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) 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 assets to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or
consequential damages.
14. 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 with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2. 10 hereof
in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board has approved the initial use of a particular
Securities System by such Portfolio, as required by Rule l7f-4 under the 1940
Act and that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.11 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board has approved the initial use
of the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio ; 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 on behalf of one or more of the
Portfolios may at any time by action of the Board (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 on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio 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.
21
15. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board, 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 of each applicable Portfolio then held by
it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of
the securities of each such Portfolio 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 Board 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 Board 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 deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a
"bank" as defined in the 1940 Act, 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 on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto
and all other property held by it under this Contract on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian
all of the securities of each such Portfolio 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 the vote referred to or of
the Board 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 and obligations of the Custodian shall
remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, 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 a 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. No interpretive
or additional provisions made as provided in the proceeding sentence shall be
deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
22
17. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to New England Equity Income Fund 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 Portfolio hereunder.
18. 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.
19. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Shareholder Communications Election
-----------------------------------
SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold securities for the account of
customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names,
addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by
the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of
this information. In order to comply with the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund
to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide the Fund's name,
address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund
owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no", the Custodian will not provide this
information to requesting companies. If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or
does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the Custodian is required by the rule
to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all
securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund.
For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using
the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications.
Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of
the alternatives below.
YES [_] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
NO [_] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
23
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 November 15, 1995.
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
-------------------
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
---------------
Title: Executive Vice President
------------------------
NEW ENGLAND FUNDS TRUST III
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx
----------------
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxx
------------
Title: Treasurer
---------
24
Schedule A
----------
The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
have been approved by the Board of Trustees of New England Funds Trust III for
use as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other assets:
(Insert banks and securities depositories)
Certified:
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx
----------------
Fund's Authorized Officer
Date:____________________
25
