Exhibit 99(j)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
between
THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
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.....................................................................1
2.1 Holding Securities..............................................1
2.2 Delivery of Securities..........................................2
2.3 Registration of Securities......................................5
2.4 Bank Accounts...................................................5
2.5 Payments for Shares.............................................5
2.6 Availability of Federal Funds...................................6
2.7 Collection of Income............................................6
2.8 Payment of Fund Monies..........................................6
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securi
ties Purchased..................................................8
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares
of the Fund.....................................................8
2.11 Appointment of Agents...........................................8
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems....................9
2.13 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper
System.........................................................10
2.14 Segregated Account.............................................11
2.15 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes........................12
2.16 Proxies........................................................12
2.17 Communications Relating to
Fund Portfolio Securities......................................12
2.18 Proper Instructions............................................12
2.19 Actions Permitted without Express Authority....................13
2.20 Evidence of Authority..........................................14
3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income....................................14
4. Records..........................................................................14
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant.........................................15
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants................................15
7. Compensation of Custodian........................................................15
8. Responsibility of Custodian......................................................15
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment......................................16
10. Successor Custodian..............................................................17
11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions...........................................18
12. Massachusetts Law to Apply.......................................................18
13. Prior Contracts..................................................................18
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust, a
statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of Delaware and having
its principal place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx, XX 00000
hereinafter called the "Fund", and , a trust company,
having its principal place of business at 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
pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust. The Fund agrees to
deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments
of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial
interest ("Shares") of the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time.
The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of the Fund held or
received by the Fund and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Section
2.17), the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more
sub-custodians, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, and provided that the Custodian shall have no more or
less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions or
omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to
the Custodian.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund
Held By the Custodian
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and
physically segregate for the account of the Fund all non-cash property,
including all securities owned by the Fund, other than (a) securities which
are maintained pursuant to Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a
securities depository or in a book- entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as a 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 2.12A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and
deliver securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book entry
system account ("Direct Paper 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 2.12 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender
or other similar offers for portfolio securities of
the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such
securities are called, redeemed, retired or
otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer
into the name of the Fund or into the name of any
nominee or nominees of the Custodian or into the
name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.11 or into the name or
nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article l; 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, 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 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
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 Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which
such delivery is to be made, declaring such 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. Securities held by the
Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of
the Fund or in the name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the
Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless the
Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in
common with other registered investment companies having the same investment
adviser as the Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.11 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on
behalf of the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street 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 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 Trustees of
the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Payments for Shares. The Custodian shall receive from
the distributor for the Fund's Shares or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund
and deposit into the Fund's account such payments as are received for Shares
of the Fund issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will
provide timely notification to the Fund and the Transfer Agent of any receipt
by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.
2.6 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.
2.7 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 registered securities held hereunder to which
the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of payment by the
issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or 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 securities loaned
pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of
the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection
therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may
be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the
Custodian of the income to which the Fund is properly entitled.
2.8 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by
the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following
cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the
account of the Fund but only (a) against the
delivery of such securities or evidence of title to
such options, futures contracts or options on
futures contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank,
banking firm or trust company doing business in the
United States or abroad which is qualified under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to
act as a custodian and has been designated by the
Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered
in the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee
of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof
or in proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of
a purchase effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
2.12 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase
involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance
with the conditions set forth in Section 2.12A; (d)
n the case of repurchase agreements entered into
between the Fund and the Custodian, or another
bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD,
(i) against delivery of the securities either in
certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank
with such securities or (ii) against delivery of
the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund of
securities owned by the Custodian along with
written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian
to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e)
for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund
in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such
transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a
confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable
bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund
as defined in Section 2.17;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or
surrender of securities owned by the Fund as set
forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued
by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability
incurred by the Fund, including but not limited to
the following payments for the account of the Fund:
interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer
agent and legal fees, 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 Trustees or of
the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of
such payment, setting forth the purpose for which
such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose
to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
Securities Purchased. Except as specifically stated otherwise in this
Contract, in any and every case where payment for purchase of securities for
the account of the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the
securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the
Fund to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the
Fund for such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been
received by the Custodian.
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of
the Fund. From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to
the limitations of the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a
request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the
redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian is authorized
upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or
through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming 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.
2.11 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or
times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or
trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the
provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct;
provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the
Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in a
clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities
depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. department of
the Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject
to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in a
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the
Custodian in the Securities System which shall not
include any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise
for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to
securities of the Fund which are maintained in a
Securities System shall identify by book-entry
those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased
for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of
advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account,
and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer
for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall
transfer securities sold for the account of the
Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of
an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such transfer and payment for the account of the
Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities
System of transfers of securities for the account
of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be maintained
for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to
the Fund at its request. Upon request, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of
each transfer to or from the account of the Fund in
the form of a written advice or notice and shall
furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the
Securities System for the account of the Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the Securities
System's accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities
deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received the initial or
annual certificate, as the case may be, required by
Article 9 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.
2.13 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 dally 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;
2.14 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of
Proper Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts
for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an
account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof, (i) in accordance
with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or
any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and
of any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar
organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating
cash or 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 purpose 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 Trustees 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.
2.15 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian
shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal
and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments
with respect to securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with
transfers of securities.
2.16 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the
securities held hereunder, cause to be Promptly executed by the registered
holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in
the name of the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication
of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly
deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all
notices relating to such securities.
2.17 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 securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written
by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the
Fund) received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for
the Fund. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall
transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought
and from the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the
Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer
or any other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least
three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action.
2.18 Proper Instructions. Proper Instructions as used
throughout this Article 2 means a writing signed or initialed by one or more
person or persons as the Board of Trustees shall have from time to time
authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction or type
of transaction involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for
which such action is requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a
person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in
writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of Trustees of the Fund
accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of
Trustees, Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board of
Trustees 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 2.13.
2.19 Actions Permitted without Express Authority. The
Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor
expenses of handling securities or other similar
items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted
for to the Fund;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for
securities in definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund,
checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments;
and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details
in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings
with the securities and property of the Fund except
as otherwise directed by the Board of Trustees of
the Fund.
2.20 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 Trustees of the Fund as
conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to act in accordance
with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action by the Board of
Trustees pursuant to the Declaration of Trust as described in such vote, and
such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the
Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
3. 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 Trustees 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.
4. 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 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 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
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.
7. 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.
8. 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. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with respect to redemptions
effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate Agreement entered
into between the Custodian and the Fund.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned
to the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of
some other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to
take such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and
form satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for
any purpose or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or
be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities
in connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise
from its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or
willful misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund
shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian
promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to
dispose of Fund assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
9. 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 12 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Trustees 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 Trustees 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 2.12A hereof in the absence of
receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
that the Board of Trustees 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 Trustees 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 Declaration of Trust,
and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of its Board of
Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately
terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a conservator or
receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the
happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency
or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
10. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees
of the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an
account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a
Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian
shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer
such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian
or certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees shall have been delivered
to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to 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 Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall
be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties
and the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
11. 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 Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an
amendment of this Contract.
12. 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.
13. 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.
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 day of October, 2003.
ATTEST THE GABELLI DIVIDEND
& INCOME TRUST
___________________________ By:________________________
President
ATTEST [CUSTODIAN]
___________________________ By:________________________
Assistant Secretary Vice President
