EXHIBIT G
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
GABELLI GOLD FUND, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
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 in the United States -----------------2
2.1 Holding Securities---------------------------------------------2
2.2 Delivery of Securities------------------------------------------3
2.3 Registration of Securities-------------------------------------7
2.4 Bank Accounts---------------------------------------------------8
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds-----------------------------------9
2.6 Collection of Income-------------------------------------------9
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies-----------------------------------------10
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
Securities Purchased.--------------------------------------------13
2.9 Appointment of Agents------------------------------------------13
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities System---------------------14
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System-------17
2.11 Segregated Account--------------------------------------------18
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes ----------------------20
2.13 Proxies--------------------------------------------------------20
2.14 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities-----------20
2.15 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants--------------21
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund
Held Outside of the United States.----------------------------------22
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians---------------------------22
3.2 Assets to be Held-----------------------------------------------22
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories---------------------------------23
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions--------------------23
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund-------------------24
3.6 Reports by Custodian--------------------------------------------24
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account-------------------------25
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians-----------------------------25
3.9 Liability of Custodian------------------------------------------26
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances-------------------------------------27
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities------------------------------------28
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks-----------------------------------------28
3.13 Tax Law--------------------------------------------------------29
4. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of Shares
of the Fund --------------------------------------------------------30
5. Proper Instructions ------------------------------------------------31
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority -----------------------31
7. Evidence of Authority ---------------------------------------------32
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculations of Net Asset Value and Net Income .-------------------33
9. Records-------------------------------------------------------------33
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant --------------------------34
11. Compensation of Custodian -----------------------------------------34
12. Responsibility of Custodian .--------------------------------------34
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment -----------------------36
14. Successor Custodian -----------------------------------------------38
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions -----------------------------39
16. Massachusetts Law to Apply -----------------------------------------40
17. Prior Contracts ---------------------------------------------------40
18. Shareholder Communications Election -------------------------------40
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between Gabelli Gold Fund, Inc., a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of Maryland, having its principal place of business
at Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000, hereinafter called the "Fund",
and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company, having
its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
00000, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
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,
including securities it 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 Articles of
Incorporation. 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 capital stock, $ par value, ("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.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians
located in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by
the Board of Directors 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. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodians
for the Fund's securities and other assets the foreign banking institutions and
foreign securities depositories designated in Schedule "A" hereto but only in
accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
2. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD BY
THE CUSTODIAN IN THE UNITED STATES
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of the Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in the United
States, including all domestic securities owned by the Fund, 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, collectively referred to herein as
"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
pursuant to Section 2.10A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
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) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund
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 Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a 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 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 2.9 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 aggregate face amount or number of units;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, capitalization, 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 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 similar organization or organizations, regarding 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 corporate purpose, but only upon
receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board of Directors 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 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 (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 2.9 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 Fund 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 account
or accounts in the United States 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. 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 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
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors 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 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund and
the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions,
make federal funds available to the Fund 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 the Fund which are deposited into the Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to United States 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 United States bearer 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 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 United States 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.
2.7 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 domestic 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 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case
of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10A; (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 Article 5;
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 Article 4 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,
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 Board
of Directors 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.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case where
payment for purchase of domestic 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 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
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company
which is 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.
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities Systems. The Custodian may deposit
and/or maintain domestic 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 domestic 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 domestic
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 domestic 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 Fund. The Custodian shall transfer domestic
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 domestic 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 domestic 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 13 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
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.
2.10A 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;
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;
2.11 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 2.10 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 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 corporate 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 Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee
signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and
declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
2.12 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
domestic securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with transfers of
such securities.
2.13 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic 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.
2.14 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund 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
and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund) received by
the Custodian from issuers of the domestic 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 domestic 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 three business days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
2.15 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 options on futures contracts, including
domestic 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.
3. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD
OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Fund'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
Section 5 of this Contract, together with a certified resolution of the Fund's
Board of Directors, 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 Fund's
assets.
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, 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. The Custodian shall identify on its
books as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
foreign sub-custodian.
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. Where possible, such arrangements shall include entry into agreements
containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.4 hereof.
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit 1
hereto and shall provide that: (a) the Fund's assets 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 of the Fund's
assets 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 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.
3.5 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.
3.6 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.
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.7,
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 the Fund and
delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund 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.
3.8 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 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.
3.9 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 paragraph
3.12 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 paragraph 3.9, in 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.
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
cash or securities for any purpose 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 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.
3.11 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 Securities and Exchange Commission 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).
3.12 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 Fund assets are 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 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 paragraph 1 of this Contract.
(b) Cash held for 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.
3.13 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 REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS AND SALES OF SHARES OF THE FUND
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of the
Board of Directors 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 shareholders. 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.
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.
5. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS
Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing signed or initialled
by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors 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 of Directors of the Fund accompanied by a
detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of Directors, Proper
Instructions may include communications effected directly between
electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board of Directors
and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards
for the Fund's 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
2.11.
6. 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
their 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 Fund except as otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors of the Fund.
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 of
Directors 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 Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full 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 of Directors of the Fund to keep
the books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of
the outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by the
Fund, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset
value per share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the
net 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 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 the Fund shall be made at the time or times
described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.
9. 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, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 3la-1 and 3la-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 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.
10. OPINION OF FUND'S 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-lA, and Form N-SAR or other
annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any
other requirements of such Commission.
11. 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.
12. 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.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.9)
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 paragraph 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 or 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.
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.
13. 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 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has 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 Board of Directors has 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 2.10A hereof in the absence of receipt of
an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board
of Directors has 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 Board of Directors has 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 Articles of Incorporation, and further provided, that
the Fund may at any time by action of its Board of Directors (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.
14. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
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 Board of
Directors 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 of Directors 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 Investment Company Act of 1940,
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 the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors 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.
15. 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 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 Articles of Incorporation 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTION
Securities and Exchange Commission 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 [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
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 23rd day of June, 1994.
ATTEST GABELLI GOLD FUND, INC.
/S/ XXXXX ELLINGWAY BY /S/ XXXXX X. XXXXXX
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/S/ XXXXXXXXXXX BY /S/ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Executive Vice President
AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreement made by and between State Street Bank and Trust Company (the
"Custodian") and Gabelli Gold Fund, Inc. (the "Fund").
WHEREAS, the Custodian and the Fund are parties to a custodian contract dated
June 23, 1994 (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 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 day of , 1995.
GABELLI GOLD FUND, INC.
BY: /S/ XXXXX X. XXXXXX
-----------------------
Title: Vice President and Treasurer
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By: /S/ XXXXXXXX
Title: Executive Vice President
