FORM 10-K
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [Fee Required]
For the Fiscal Year Ended    December 31, 1996

OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required]

For the transition period from      N/A

Commission file number            0-18563

          JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Massachusetts                             04-3025607
 (State or other jurisdiction of       (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  incorporation or organization)

 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA                     02116
(Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (800) 722-5457
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:  Assignee Units

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filling requirements for the past 90 days.
                            Yes     X      No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  [X]

State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant.  The aggregate market value shall be computed by
reference to the price at which the stock was sold, or the average bid and
asked prices of such stock, as of a specified date within 60 days prior to
the date of filing.  (See definition of affiliate in Rule 405.)  Not
applicable, since the securities are non-voting

NOTE:  If a determination as to whether a particular person or entity is an
affiliate cannot be made without involving unreasonable effort and expense,
the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates may
be calculated on the basis of assumptions reasonable under the
circumstances, provided that the assumptions are set forth in this Form.

                      Exhibit Index on Pages 28 - 33
                               Page 1 of 34

                            TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                  PART I


  Item 1    Business                                                    3
  Item 2    Properties                                                  6
  Item 3    Legal Proceedings                                           9
  Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote
              of Security Holders                                       9


                                 PART II


  Item 5    Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related
              Security Holder Matters                                   9
  Item 6    Selected Financial Data                                    11
  Item 7    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
              Condition and Results of Operations                      12
  Item 8    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                21
  Item 9    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
              on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                   21


                                 PART III


  Item 10   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant         21
  Item 11   Executive Compensation                                     24
  Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
              and Management                                           24
  Item 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions             25


                                 PART IV


  Item 14   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
              Reports on Form 8-K                                      28

            Signatures                                                 34











                                    2

                                  Part I
Item 1 - Business

The Registrant, John Hancock Realty Income Fund-III Limited Partnership
(the "Partnership"), is a Limited Partnership organized on November 4, 1988
under the Massachusetts Uniform Limited Partnership Act.  As of December
31, 1996, the partners in the Partnership consisted of a General Partner,
John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc. (the "General Partner"), John Hancock
Realty Funding, Inc. (the "John Hancock Limited Partner"), John Hancock
Income Fund-III Assignor, Inc. (the "Assignor Limited Partner") and 2,612
Unitholders (the "Investors").  The Assignor Limited Partner holds 5
Limited Partnership Interests for its own account and 2,415,229 Assignee
Units (the "Units") for the benefit of the Investors.  The John Hancock
Limited Partner, the Assignor Limited Partner and the Investors are
collectively referred to as the Limited Partners.  The initial capital of
the Partnership was $2,100, representing capital contributions of $1,000
from the General Partner, $1,000 from the John Hancock Limited Partner and
$100 from the Assignor Limited Partner.  During the offering period, the
John Hancock Limited Partner made additional capital contributions of
$3,863,366.  The Amended Agreement of Limited Partnership of the
Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement") authorized the sale of up to
5,000,000 Assignee Units, representing economic and certain other rights
attributable to Investor Limited Partnership Interests.

The Units were offered and sold to the public during the period from
February 17, 1989 to February 15, 1991 pursuant to a Registration Statement
on Form S-11 under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Partnership sold the
Units for $20 per Unit.  No established public market exists on which the
Units may be traded.

The Partnership is engaged solely in the business of acquiring, improving,
holding for investment and disposing of existing, income-producing, retail,
industrial, and office properties on an all-cash basis, free and clear of
mortgage indebtedness.  Although the Partnership's properties were
acquired, and are held, free and clear of mortgage indebtedness, the
Partnership may incur mortgage indebtedness on its properties under certain
circumstances, as specified in the Partnership Agreement.

The latest date on which the Partnership is due to terminate is December
31, 2019, unless it is sooner terminated in accordance with the terms of
the Partnership Agreement.  It is expected that in the ordinary course of
the Partnership's business, the properties of the Partnership will be
disposed of, and the Partnership terminated, before December 31, 2019.













                                    3

Item 1 - Business (continued)

The Partnership's equity real estate investments are subject to various
risk factors.  Although the risks of equity investing are reduced when
properties are acquired on an unleveraged basis, the major risk of owning
income-producing properties is the possibility that the properties will not
generate income sufficient to meet operating expenses and to fund adequate
reserves for repair, replacements, contingencies and anticipated
obligations.  The income from properties may be affected by many factors,
including:  i) adverse changes in general economic conditions and local
conditions, such as competitive overbuilding, a decrease in employment, or
adverse changes in real estate zoning laws, which may reduce the
desirability of real estate in the area or ii) other circumstances over
which the Partnership may have little or no control, such as fires,
earthquakes and floods.  To the extent that the Partnership's properties
are leased in any substantial portion to a specific retail, industrial or
office tenant, the financial failure of any such major tenant, resulting in
the termination of the tenant's lease or non-payment of rentals due, would
likely cause at least a temporary reduction in cash flow from any such
property and might result in a decrease in the market value of that
property.

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an
owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of
removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances released on or in
its property.  Such laws often impose such liability without regard to
whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release
of such hazardous substances.  If any such substances were found in or on
any property owned by the Partnership, the Partnership could be exposed to
liability and be required to incur substantial remediation costs.  The
presence of such substances or the failure to undertake proper remediation
could adversely affect the ability to finance, refinance or dispose of such
property.

On December 28, 1988, the Partnership acquired a 0.5% interest in JH Quince
Orchard Partners (the "Affiliated Joint Venture"), a joint venture between
the Partnership and John Hancock Realty Income Fund-II Limited Partnership
("Income Fund-II").  Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement of
the Affiliated Joint Venture, the Partnership had the option, exercisable
prior to December 31, 1990, to increase its investment and interest in the
Affiliated Joint Venture to 50%.  During the second quarter of 1989, the
Partnership exercised such option and Income Fund-II transferred a 49.5%
interest in the Affiliated Joint Venture to the Partnership.  The
Partnership has since held a 50% interest in the Affiliated Joint Venture.

On December 28, 1988, the Affiliated Joint Venture contributed 98% of the
invested capital of, and acquired a 75% interest in, QOCC-1 Associates, an
existing partnership which owns and operates a three-story office building
and related land and improvements located in Gaithersburg, Maryland (the
"Quince Orchard Corporate Center").  The partnership agreement of QOCC-1
Associates provides that the Affiliated Joint Venture shall contribute 95%
of any required additional capital contributions.  Of the cumulative total
invested capital in QOCC-1 Associates at December 31, 1996, 97.55% has been
contributed by the Affiliated Joint Venture.  The Affiliated Joint Venture
continues to hold a 75% interest in QOCC-1 Associates.


                                    4

Item 1 - Business (continued)

The Quince Orchard Corporate Center is 100% occupied by Boehringer Mannheim
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under a ten-year lease which expires in February
2004.  The tenant has two options under the lease agreement, one, to
terminate the lease at the end of the seventy-sixth month of the lease, or
June 2000, and, two, to extend the term of the lease for an additional five-
year period.

On December 28, 1989, the Partnership acquired the Palms of Carrollwood
Shopping Center, a neighborhood shopping center located in Tampa, Florida.
Although real estate market conditions for retail properties in the market
in which the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center is located have declined
since the Partnership acquired the property, occupancy levels and rental
rates have stabilized during recent years.  However, market conditions
remain competitive due to the new construction of retail space.  The
General Partner anticipates that retail market conditions will remain
competitive during 1996 and, therefore, will continue to offer competitive
leasing packages in order to attract new tenants as well as retain existing
tenants at the property.

The Partnership acquired the following warehouse properties on the
following dates.  On July 17, 1991, the Partnership acquired Yokohama Tire
Warehouse located in Louisville, Kentucky.  On December 27, 1991, the
Partnership acquired the Purina Mills Distribution Building located in St.
Louis, Missouri.  On March 6, 1992, the Partnership acquired the Allmetal
Distribution Building located in Carrollton, Texas.  On March 16, 1992, the
Partnership acquired the Stone Container Building located in Cincinnati,
Ohio.  On March 27, 1992, the Partnership acquired the Business Center at
Pureland located in Bridgeport, New Jersey.

The Partnership's warehouse properties are presently 100% occupied.  The
following table sets forth the names of the lessees at each of the
Partnership's warehouse properties and the earliest date on which the
applicable lessee's lease obligations may terminate.


      Property                                    Lessee                           Lease Expiration
     ---------                                    ------                           ----------------
                                                                                    
  Yokohama Tire Warehouse                    Yokohama Tire Corp.                March 31, 2006
  Purina Mills Distribution Building         Purina Mills, Inc.                 December 1, 1998
  Allmetal Distribution Building             Allmetal, Inc.                     August 31, 1998
  Stone Container Building                   Stone Container Corp.              December 31, 2011
  Business Center at Pureland                Forbo Wallcoverings, Inc.          December 31, 1998
  Business Center at Pureland                National Polystyrene
                                               Recycling Co., L.P.              May 31, 2001

The General Partner anticipates that the warehouse properties should
provide the Partnership with stable income performance during 1997.







                                    5

Item 1 - Business (continued)

Within the power accorded to the General Partner under the terms of the
Partnership Agreement, the General Partner contracted, effective as of
January 1, 1992, with Hancock Realty Investors Incorporated ("HRI"), a
wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("John Hancock"), to assist the General Partner in the performance
of its management duties as enumerated in the Partnership Agreement.
Effective May 28, 1993, HRI subcontracted with John Hancock to assist HRI
in the performance of its duties as enumerated in the January 1, 1992
contract.  The Partnership has not incurred any additional costs or
expenses as a result of these agreements.  The General Partner is further
described in Item 10 of this Report.

Industry segment information has not been provided since the Partnership is
engaged in only one industry segment.

Item 2 - Properties

As of December 31, 1996 the Partnership held the following investments in
its portfolio:

JH Quince Orchard Partners
- --------------------------
On December 28, 1988, the Partnership acquired a 0.5% interest in JH Quince
Orchard Partners (the "Affiliated Joint Venture"), a joint venture between
the Partnership and John Hancock Realty Income Fund-II Limited Partnership
("Income Fund-II").  The Partnership had an initial 0.5% interest and
Income Fund-II had an initial 99.5% interest in the Affiliated Joint
Venture.  Pursuant to the partnership agreement of the Affiliated Joint
Venture, the Partnership had the option, exercisable prior to December 31,
1990, to increase its investment and interest in the Affiliated Joint
Venture to 50%.  During the second quarter of 1989, the Partnership
exercised such option and Income Fund-II transferred a 49.5% interest in
the Affiliated Joint Venture to the Partnership.  The Partnership has since
held a 50% interest in the Affiliated Joint Venture.

On December 28, 1988, the Affiliated Joint Venture contributed 98% of the
invested capital of, and acquired a 75% interest in, QOCC-1 Associates, an
existing partnership that owns and operates the Quince Orchard Corporate
Center, a three-story office building and related land and improvements
located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The partnership agreement of QOCC-1
Associates provides that the Affiliated Joint Venture shall contribute 95%
of any required additional capital contributions.  Of the cumulative total
invested capital in QOCC-1 Associates at December 31, 1996, 97.55% has been
contributed by the Affiliated Joint Venture.  The Affiliated Joint Venture
continues to hold a 75% interest in QOCC-1 Associates.

The average occupancy for the Quince Orchard Corporate Center for the year
ended December 31, 1996 was 100%.







                                    6

Item 2 - Properties (continued)

Palms of Carrollwood
- --------------------
On December 28, 1989, the Partnership acquired the Palms of Carrollwood
Shopping Center, located in Tampa, Florida, from a non-affiliated seller.
The property contains approximately 161,000 rentable square feet, including
approximately 10,000 square feet of office space, situated on a 15 acre
site.

The average occupancy for the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center for the
year ended December 31, 1996 was 80%.  As of the date hereof, the property
is 78% occupied.

Yokohama Tire Warehouse
- -----------------------
On July 17, 1991, the Partnership acquired the Yokohama Tire Warehouse,
located in Louisville, Kentucky, from a non-affiliated seller.  The
property is situated on 24 acres of land and contains an aggregate of
309,791 rentable square feet, of which 297,391 square feet is warehouse
space and 12,400 square feet is office space.

The warehouse is 100% leased to the Yokohama Tire Corporation under a lease
which expires on March 31, 2006.  Under the terms of the lease agreement,
the Yokohama Tire Corporation had the option to purchase the property for
$10,228,173 on April 1, 1996, but did not choose to exercise such option.
Yokohama Tire Corporation has additional options to purchase the property
for $10,478,173 on April 1, 1999 and for $10,578,173 on April 1, 2001.  In
addition, the Yokohama Tire Corporation has the option, exercisable at any
time during the term of the lease, to expand the square footage of the
facility by any area of up to 220,000 square feet.

Purina Mills Distribution Building
- ----------------------------------
On December 27, 1991, the Partnership acquired the Purina Mills
Distribution Building, located in St. Louis, Missouri, from a non-
affiliated seller.  The property is situated on 7.3 acres of land and
contains an aggregate of 126,400 rentable square feet, of which 114,800 is
warehouse space and 11,600 square feet is office space.

Purina Mills Distribution Building is 100% leased to Purina Mills,
Incorporated ("PMI") under a lease which expires on November 30, 2001.  The
lease contains a one-time option to terminate the lease on December 1, 1998
upon the payment of $240,815 to the Partnership.  During 1993, PMI was sold
by its parent company, BP Nutrition, Incorporated ("BPN"), and during March
1994, PMI assigned its right, title and interest in the lease to BPN.  PMI
remains fully liable to perform all of its obligations under the lease and
BPN, as assignee, is also liable to perform all obligations under the
lease.  In addition, BP America, Incorporated, the parent company of BPN,
has provided a guaranty to the Partnership for any monetary obligations
under the lease.  PMI has vacated the property and has subleased the space
through November 1998.





                                    7

Item 2 - Properties (continued)

Allmetal Distribution Building
- ------------------------------
On March 6, 1992, the Partnership acquired the Allmetal Distribution
Building, located in Carrollton, Texas, from a non-affiliated seller.  The
property is situated on 3 acres of land and contains an aggregate of 56,531
rentable square feet, of which 51,531 square feet is warehouse space and
5,000 square feet is office space.

The property is 100% leased to Allmetal, Inc. under a lease which expires
on August 31, 1998.

Stone Container Building
- ------------------------
On March 16, 1992, the Partnership acquired the Stone Container Building,
located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from a non-affiliated seller.  The property is
situated on 5.5 acres of land.

The property is 100% leased to Stone Container Corporation under a lease
which expires on December 31, 2011.  During 1995, Stone Container
Corporation requested approval to construct additional office space within
the existing 80,000 square foot area of the building.  The General Partner
agreed to construct the additional office space in exchange for i) an
increase in the tenant's rental rate in an amount equivalent to the total
cost of constructing the additional office space, through the end of the
existing term of the lease (December 2001) and ii) the tenant exercising
its two five-year options to extend the term of the lease to December 2011.
As a result, the net rentable square feet at the property increased by
approximately 2,000 square feet.  The building currently contains
approximately 76,000 square feet of warehouse space and 6,000 square feet
of office space.

Business Center at Pureland
- ---------------------------
On March 27, 1992, the Partnership acquired the Business Center at Pureland
located in Bridgeport, New Jersey, from a non-affiliated seller.  The
property is situated on 10.5 acres of land and contains two buildings
consisting of an aggregate of 119,651 rentable square feet of warehouse
space.

One building (consisting of 60,535 sq. ft.) is 100% leased to Forbo
Wallcoverings, Inc. under a lease which expires on December 31, 1998.  The
second building (consisting of 59,116 sq. ft.) is 100% leased to National
Polystyrene Recycling Company, L.P. under a lease which expires on May 31,
2001.

The foregoing investments of the Partnership are further described in Item
7 of this Report.







                                    8

Item 3 - Legal Proceedings

In February 1996, a putative class action complaint was filed in the
Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey by a single investor in a
limited partnership affiliated with the Partnership.  The complaint named
as defendants the Partnership, the General Partner, certain other
Affiliates of the General Partner, and certain unnamed officers, directors,
employees and agents of the named defendants.

The plaintiff sought unspecified damages stemming from alleged
misrepresentations and omissions in the marketing and offering materials
associated with the Partnership and two limited partnerships affiliated
with the Partnership.  The complaint alleged, among other things, that the
marketing materials for the Partnership and the affiliated limited
partnerships did not contain adequate risk disclosures.

On March 18, 1997, the court certified a class of investors who were
original purchasers in the Partnership.  The certification order should not
be construed as suggesting that any member of the class is entitled to
recover, or will recover, any amount in the action.

The General Partner believes the allegations are totally without merit and
will continue to vigorously contest the action.

There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary
routine litigation incidental to the business of the Partnership, to which
the Partnership is a party or to which any of its properties is subject.

                                Part II

Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders of the
Partnership during the fourth quarter of 1996.

Item 5 - Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related Security
Holder Matters

(a)   Market Information

The Partnership's outstanding securities consist of 2,415,229 Units
originally sold for $20 per Unit. The Units were offered and sold to the
public during the period from February 17, 1989 to February 15, 1991.  No
established public market exists on which the Units may be traded.
Consequently, holders of Units may not be able to liquidate their
investments in the event of an emergency, or for any other reason.
Additionally, the assignment or other transfer of Units would be subject to
compliance with the minimum investment and suitability standards imposed by
the Partnership and by applicable law, including state "Blue Sky" laws.

(B)   Number of Security Holders
                                 Number of             Number of Units
                            record holders as of      outstanding as of
 Title of Class              December 31, 1996        December 31, 1996
 --------------              -----------------        -----------------
  Assignee Units                   2,612                 2,415,229

                                    9

Item 5 - Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related Security
Holder Matters (Continued)

(c)   Dividend History and Restrictions

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Partnership
distributed cash in the aggregate amounts of $3,645,723 and $3,050,815,
respectively, from Distributable Cash from Operations (as defined in the
Partnership Agreement).  These amounts were allocated 5% to the General
Partner and 95% to the Investors and the John Hancock Limited Partner, in
accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement.

The following table reflects cash distributions made during the two year
period ended December 31, 1996:


                                                            Amount
                                                         Paid to the
      Date of              Amount of    Amount Paid to    John Hancock    Amount Paid  Distribution
    Distribution          Distribution General Partner  Limited Partner   to Investors   Per Unit
    ------------          ------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------   -------
                                                                            
   February 15, 1995        $762,704       $38,135               $-         $724,569      $0.30
   May 15, 1995              762,704        38,135                -          724,569       0.30
   August 15, 1995           762,704        38,136                -          724,568       0.30
   November 15, 1995         762,703        38,135                -          724,568       0.30
   February 15, 1996         762,704        38,135                -          724,569       0.30
   May 15, 1996              889,821        44,491                -          845,330       0.35
   August 15, 1996         1,032,192        51,610          135,253          845,329       0.35
   November 15, 1996         961,006        48,050           67,626          845,330       0.35

During 1996, the General Partner estimated that the Partnership's Cash from
Operations for the year then ending would be sufficient to provide the
Limited Partners with cash distributions at an annualized rate of 7%.
Therefore, effective with the May 15, 1996 quarterly cash distribution, the
Partnership increased cash distributions to Investors from an annualized
rate of 6% to an annualized rate of 7%.  The Partnership also made cash
distributions to the John Hancock Limited Partner at an annualized rate of
7% during 1996.  The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership's
Cash from Operations will be sufficient to make cash distributions in 1997
comparable to those made in 1996.  For a further discussion of the
financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership see Item 7
of this Report.














                                    10

Item 6 - Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected financial information regarding the
Partnership's financial position and operating results for the five year
period ended December 31, 1996.  This information should be read in
conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations and the Financial Statements and Notes
thereto, which are included in Items 7 and 8, respectively, of this Report.


                                                           Years Ended December 31,
                                           1996         1995         1994        1993        1992
                                           ----         ----         ----        ----        ----
                                                                              
Rental income                           $3,606,964  $3,404,659   $3,407,133  $3,397,962   $3,211,958
Income from joint venture                  701,988     755,198      541,187     221,739      432,782
Interest income                            145,734     162,332      105,917     107,122      195,768
Net income                               2,616,017   2,776,632    2,543,261   2,228,039    2,334,283
Net income per Unit (b)                      0.89         1.07        0.98         0.86        0.90
Ordinary tax income (a)                  2,969,975   2,782,263    2,605,072   2,396,730    2,476,791
Ordinary tax income per Unit (b)             1.04         1.08        1.01         0.93        0.96
Cash distributions per Unit (c)              1.35         1.20        1.20         1.20        1.20
Cash and cash equivalents
  at December 31                         2,663,859   2,431,272    2,637,722   3,270,201    3,146,887
Total assets at December 31             40,896,886  41,824,552   42,079,427  42,528,624   43,378,299

(a)   The ordinary tax income for the Partnership was allocated as follows:


                                                           Years Ended December 31,
                                           1996         1995         1994        1993        1992
                                           ----         ----         ----        ----        ----
                                                                              
     General Partner                      $189,088    $178,928     $168,666    $155,012     $156,969
     John Hancock Limited Partner                -           -            -           -            -
     Investor Limited Partners           2,500,483   2,603,335    2,436,406   2,241,718    2,319,822
                                        ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
       Total                            $2,969,975  $2,782,263   $2,605,072  $2,396,730   $2,476,791
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========   ==========


(b)  The actual ordinary tax income per Unit has not been presented because
     the actual ordinary tax income is allocated between tax-exempt and tax-
     paying entities based upon the respective number of Units held by each
     entity at December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992.  The ordinary
     tax income per Unit for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996,
     1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 was computed by dividing the Investors'
     share of ordinary tax income by the number of Units outstanding during
     the year.

(c)  Represents the actual cash distribution per Unit for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992.





                                    11

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

General
- -------
During the offering period, from February 17, 1989 to February 15, 1991,
the Partnership sold 2,415,229 Units representing gross proceeds (exclusive
of the John Hancock Limited Partner's contribution which was used to pay
sales commissions) of $48,304,580.  The proceeds of the offering were used
to acquire investment properties, fund reserves, and pay acquisition fees
and organizational and offering expenses.  These investments are described
more fully in Items 1 and 2 and Notes 5 and 6 to the Financial Statements
included in Item 8 of this Report.

At December 31, 1996, the Partnership had $2,663,859 in cash and cash
equivalents, $17,739 in restricted cash and $90,220 in long-term restricted
cash.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
The Partnership has a working capital reserve with a current balance of
approximately 3.3% of the offering proceeds.  The General Partner
anticipates that such amount should be sufficient to satisfy the
Partnership's general liquidity requirements.  Based upon the balance of
the working capital reserve and the projected level of cash flows to be
generated from the Partnership's properties, the General Partner determined
that the Partnership's Cash from Operations would be sufficient to provide
the Limited Partners with quarterly cash distributions at an annualized
rate of 7%.  Therefore, effective with the May 15, 1996 cash distribution,
the Partnership increased quarterly cash distributions to Investors from an
annualized rate of 6% to an annualized rate of 7%.  The Partnership also
made cash distributions to the John Hancock Limited Partner at an
annualized rate of 7% during 1996.

The Partnership's liquidity would, however, be materially adversely
affected if there were a significant reduction in revenues or significant
unanticipated operating costs, unanticipated leasing costs or unanticipated
capital expenditures.  If any or all of these events were to occur, to the
extent that the working capital reserve would be insufficient to satisfy
the cash requirements of the Partnership, it is anticipated that additional
funds would be obtained through a reduction of cash distributions to
Investors, bank loans, short-term loans from the General Partner or its
affiliates, or the sale or financing of Partnership investments.

During 1996, cash in the aggregate amount of $372,615 was used for the
payment of leasing costs incurred at the Business Center at Pureland, the
Stone Container Building and the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center
properties.  The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will
incur an aggregate of approximately $487,000 in leasing costs at two of its
properties during 1997, the majority of which is forecasted to be incurred
at the Palms of Carrollwood property.  The current balance in the working
capital reserve should be sufficient to pay such leasing costs.

                                    12

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
- -------------------------------
During 1996, approximately $112,000 of cash generated from the
Partnership's operations was used to fund non-recurring maintenance and
repair expenses incurred at Palms of Carrollwood.  The General Partner
anticipates that the Partnership will incur non-recurring repair and
maintenance expenses in the aggregate amount of approximately $157,000 at
its properties during 1997.  These expenses will be funded from the
operations of the Partnership's properties and are not expected to have a
significant impact on the Partnership's liquidity.

Cash in the amount of $3,645,723, generated from the Partnership's
operations, was distributed to the General Partner, the John Hancock
Limited Partner and the Investors during the year ended December 31, 1996.
These amounts were distributed in accordance with the Partnership Agreement
and were allocated as follows:

Investors                               $3,260,558
John Hancock Limited Partner               202,879
General Partner                            182,286
                                        ----------
     Total                              $3,645,723
                                        ==========

The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will be able to make
comparable distributions during each of the four quarters in 1997.

One of the anchor tenants at the Palms of Carrollwood vacated the property
during June 1995.  In July 1995, the General Partner secured a new anchor
tenant to occupy this space under a lease commencing in November 1995.
Three tenants' leases at the Palms of Carrollwood contain clauses that make
reference to the situation in which the former anchor tenant ceases
operations at the property.  The following table sets forth the approximate
amount of square feet leased by these three tenants, their applicable lease
expiration dates and the applicable lease clauses relating to the
replacement of the former anchor tenant:


  Amount of           Lease
 Square Feet        Expiration
   Leased              Date          Lease Clause Relating to Replacement of Former Anchor Tenant
   ------              ----          ------------------------------------------------------------
                               
  38,000           November 2004     Reduce rental payments by 25% if an
                                     acceptable replacement tenant, in accordance with the terms of
                                     the lease, is not secured.
  10,500           January 2005      Reduce rental payments by 25% if the
                                     replacement tenant is not a food store, in accordance with the
                                     terms of the lease, or terminate lease obligations if former
                                     anchor tenant ceases to operate for more than 90 days.
  10,500           February 1997     Terminate lease obligations if a
                                     similar replacement tenant is not secured.


                                    13

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
- -------------------------------
The tenant leasing approximately 38,000 square feet reduced its rental
payments effective November 28, 1995.  In the General Partner's opinion,
the replacement tenant is acceptable (in accordance with the terms of the
tenant's lease) and, therefore, the tenant does not have the right to such
a reduction.  During March 1996, the General Partner filed a complaint
against this tenant demanding payment in full of all unpaid rent.  The
General Partner will continue to use all available legal remedies in order
to obtain collection of all outstanding amounts due under the lease
agreement resulting from this rental reduction.
The tenant leasing approximately 10,500 square feet, and whose lease is due
to expire in January 2005, reduced its rental payments from May through
August 1996.  Subsequently, the General Partner negotiated an agreement
pursuant to which all future rental payments will be made by the tenant at
100% of the contracted amount, but unpaid deficiencies in back rent from
May through August 1996, in the aggregate amount of approximately $6,500,
will be forgiven.  In addition, the General Partner agreed that the tenant
could vacate an adjacent space of approximately 1,300 square feet without
further rental liability.

The other tenant leasing approximately 10,500 square feet made its
scheduled rental payments through February 1997, at which time the lease
expired.

With respect to the 38,000 square foot tenant mentioned above, the General
Partner does not believe that any reduction in its rental payments
resulting from the replacement of the original anchor tenant will have a
materially adverse affect on the Partnership's liquidity.

In addition, the General Partner obtained legal judgments against two
former tenants that vacated the Palms of Carrollwood and ceased paying rent
prior to the expiration of their respective leases.  During January 1996,
the Partnership received approximately $7,100 from a bankruptcy court,
representing the final settlement of the Partnership's judgment amount
against one of these delinquent tenants.  With respect to the other
delinquent tenant, although the Partnership continues to pursue collection
of a summary judgment in the amount of $57,000, based upon such tenant's
financial condition, it is doubtful that the Partnership will be able to
collect all, or any, of this amount.

As of the date hereof, the Palms of Carrollwood is 78% occupied.  During
the remainder of 1997, no significant leases are scheduled to expire.  The
General Partner will continue to offer competitive leasing packages in an
effort to secure lease renewals with existing tenants as well as to secure
new tenants for the remaining vacant space.








                                    14

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
- -------------------------------
The Partnership's Affiliated Joint Venture property and warehouse
properties are presently 100% occupied.  The following table sets forth the
names of the lessees at each of the Partnership's warehouse properties and
the earliest date on which the applicable lessee's lease obligations may
terminate.


      Property                                    Lessee                           Lease Expiration
     ---------                                    ------                           ----------------
                                                                                    
  Yokohama Tire Warehouse                    Yokohama Tire Corp.                March 31, 2006
  Purina Mills Distribution Building         Purina Mills, Inc.                 December 1, 1998
  Allmetal Distribution Building             Allmetal, Inc.                     August 31, 1998
  Stone Container Building                   Stone Container Corp.              December 31, 2011
  Business Center at Pureland                Forbo Wallcoverings, Inc.          December 31, 1998
  Business Center at Pureland                National Polystyrene
                                               Recycling Co., L.P.              May 31, 2001

The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership's warehouse properties
and Affiliated Joint Venture investment should, in the aggregate, provide
the Partnership with stable income performance during 1997.

During 1995, a tenant holding a lease for approximately 60,500 square feet,
or 51%, of the Business Center at Pureland property, renewed its lease for
an additional three-year term which commenced in January 1996.  During
1996, the Partnership paid approximately $169,000 in leasing costs in
connection with this renewal.

During 1995, Stone Container Corporation, the sole tenant at the Stone
Container Building, requested approval from the Partnership to construct
additional office space within the existing 80,000 square foot area of the
building.  The General Partner agreed to construct the additional office
space in exchange for i) an increase in the tenant's rental rate in an
amount equivalent to the total cost of constructing the additional office
space through the end of the then existing term of the lease (December
2001) and ii) the tenant exercising its two five-year lease options to
extend the term of the lease to December 2011.  The General Partner
incurred approximately $124,000 in construction costs in connection with
this transaction during 1996.













                                    15

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
- -------------------------------
The General Partner had the Stone Container Building property independently
appraised during the first quarter of 1996.  Based upon the appraiser's
investigation and analysis, the property's market value was estimated to be
approximately $2,100,000.  Further, the appraiser estimated that, upon
completion of the additional office space described above, the property's
market value would be approximately $2,200,000.  The carrying value of the
Stone Container Building property of approximately $1,956,000 at December
31, 1996 was evaluated in comparison to its estimated future undiscounted
cash flows, the independent appraisal and a recent internal appraisal.
Based upon such evaluation, the General Partner determined that the
property's estimated future undiscounted cash flows were expected to exceed
its carrying value.  Therefore, no impairment in value existed and a write-
down in value was not required.  The Partnership's cumulative investment in
the property, before accumulated depreciation, is approximately $2,089,000.

The General Partner had the Allmetal Distribution Building property
independently appraised during the second quarter of 1996.  Based upon the
appraiser's investigation and analysis, the property's market value was
estimated to be approximately $1,750,000.  The net book value of the
Allmetal Distribution Building property of approximately $1,415,000 at
December 31, 1996 was evaluated in comparison to its estimated future
undiscounted cash flows, the independent appraisal and a recent internal
appraisal.  Based upon such evaluation, the General Partner determined that
the property's estimated future undiscounted cash flows were expected to
exceed its carrying value.  Therefore, no impairment in value existed and a
write-down in value was not required.  The Partnership's cumulative
investment in the property, before accumulated depreciation, is
approximately $1,636,000.

The General Partner had the Yokohama Tire Warehouse property independently
appraised during the third quarter of 1996.  Based upon the appraiser's
investigation and analysis, the property's market value was estimated to be
approximately $10,000,000.  The net book value of the Yokohama Tire
Warehouse property of approximately $7,786,000 at December 31, 1996 was
evaluated in comparison to its estimated future undiscounted cash flows,
the independent appraisal and a recent internal appraisal.  Based upon such
evaluation, the General Partner determined that the property's estimated
future undiscounted cash flows were expected to exceed its carrying value.
Therefore, no impairment in value existed and a write-down in value was not
required.  The Partnership's cumulative investment in the property, before
accumulated depreciation, is approximately $9,352,000.

The General Partner evaluated the carrying value of each of the
Partnership's other properties and its investment in the Affiliated Joint
Venture as of December 31, 1996 by comparing such carrying value to the
related property's future undiscounted cash flows and the then most recent
internal appraisal in order to determine whether a impairment in value
existed.  Based upon such evaluations, the General Partner determined that
no impairment in values existed and, therefore, no write-downs were
recorded as of December 31, 1996.


                                    16

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
- -------------------------------
The General Partner will continue to conduct property valuations, using
internal or independent appraisals, in order to determine whether an
impairment in value exists on any of the Partnership's properties.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Average occupancy for the Partnership's investments was as follows:

                                                Years ended December 31,
                                                1996      1995       1994
                                                ----      ----       ----
  Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center           80%       76%        80%
  Yokohama Tire Warehouse                       100%      100%       100%
  Purina Mills Distribution Building            100%      100%       100%
  Allmetal Distribution Building                100%      100%       100%
  Stone Container Building                      100%      100%       100%
  Business Center at Pureland                   100%      100%       100%
  Quince Orchard Corporate Center
    (Affiliated Joint Venture)                  100%      100%        83%

Results of Operations - 1996 compared with 1995

Net income for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $2,616,017 as compared
to net income of $2,776,632 in 1995.

Rental income for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased by $202,305,
or 6%, as compared to 1995.  This increase is primarily due to increases in
rental income at the Palms of Carrollwood, Yokohama Tire Warehouse,
Allmetal Distribution Building, Stone Container Building and Business
Center at Pureland properties.  Rental income increased at the Palms of
Carrollwood property primarily due to the fact that a new anchor tenant at
the property pays a rental rate greater than that which the former anchor
tenant paid.  In addition, a 4% increase in average occupancy at the
property between periods contributed to the increase in rental income.
However, this increase in rental income at the Palms of Carrollwood was
partially offset by another anchor tenant at the property reducing its
rental payments, as described above.  Increases in the rental rates paid by
the sole tenants at the Yokohama Tire Warehouse, Allmetal Distribution
Building and Stone Container Building properties and by one of the tenants
at the Business Center at Pureland property, in accordance with the terms
of their leases, resulted in increased rental income from these properties
during 1996 as compared to 1995.  Rental income from the Purina Mills
Distribution Building was consistent between the years.

The Partnership's allocation of income from the Affiliated Joint Venture
for the year ended December 31, 1996 decreased by $53,210, or 7%, as
compared to 1995.  This decrease is due the manner in which the partnership
agreement of QOCC-1 Associates calculates the income allocation to its
partners.  (see Note 6 included in Item 8 of this Report and the audited
financial statements of QOCC-1 Associates filed as an Exhibit to this
Report for additional information).

                                    17

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)
- ---------------------------------
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1996 decreased by $16,598,
or 10%, as compared to the same period in 1995.  This decrease is primarily
due to a decrease in the interest rates earned on the Partnership's working
capital reserves as well as a decrease in the amount of the Partnerships
working capital reserves.

The Partnership's share of property operating expenses increased by
$59,289, or 22%, as compared to 1995 primarily due to an increase in such
expenses at the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center.  Property operating
expenses at each of the Partnership's warehouse properties were consistent
between years.

Property operating expenses incurred at the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping
Center during 1996 increased by 35% as compared to 1995.  The property
incurred approximately $112,000 and $6,000 of non-recurring maintenance and
repair expenses during 1996 and 1995, respectively.  These amounts were
incurred to maintain the property's competitive position within its market.
Excluding these amounts, the partnership's share of property operating
expenses decreased by 24%.  This decrease is primarily due to the increase
in tenant reimbursements paid by the new anchor tenant as compared to the
former anchor tenant.

Amortization of deferred expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996
increased by $118,042, or 56%, as compared to 1995.  This increase was
primarily due to the leasing activity which occurred at the Palms of
Carrollwood and the Business Center at Pureland properties during 1995 and
the amortization of the leasing costs associated with these new leases.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 1996
increased by $115,781, or 48%, as compared to 1995.  This increase is
primarily due to legal fees incurred by the Partnership in connection with
the class action complaint in which the Partnership is one of the
defendants (See Item 3 of this Report for information regarding the class
action complaint).  Excluding such legal fees, general and administrative
expenses were consistent between periods.

Results of Operations - 1995 compared with 1994

Net income for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $2,776,632 as compared
to net income of $2,543,261 in 1994.

The Partnership's allocation of income from the Affiliated Joint Venture
for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased by $214,011, or 40%, as
compared to 1994 primarily due to a 17% increase in average occupancy at
the Quince Orchard Corporate Center.

Interest income for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased by $56,415,
or 53%, as compared to 1994 primarily due to an increase in the interest
rates earned on the Partnership's working capital reserves as well as an
increase in the amount of such reserves.


                                    18

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)
- ---------------------------------
Amortization of deferred expenses in 1995 decreased by $16,501, or 7%, as
compared to 1994.  Included in the 1994 results is a deferred expense write-
off of $47,880 resulting from tenants who vacated their spaces prior to the
termination of their respective leases.  Excluding this write-off,
amortization of deferred expenses in 1995 increased by 18% as compared to
1994, primarily due to an increase in deferred expenses relating to leasing
costs incurred at the Palms of Carrollwood and the Business Center at
Pureland properties.

General and administrative expenses in 1995 increased by $52,765, or 28%,
as compared to 1994.  This increase is primarily due to an increase in the
time required to be expended by the General Partner and the expenses
incurred in connection with securing a new anchor tenant at the Palms of
Carrollwood Shopping Center and in attempting to collect delinquent rental
amounts from two former tenants at the Palms of Carrollwood.

The General Partner believes that inflation has had no significant impact
on income from operations during the last three fiscal years and the
General Partner anticipates that it will not have a significant impact
during 1997.































                                    19

Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations (continued)

Cash Flow
- ---------
The following table provides the calculations of Cash from Operations and
Distributable Cash from Operations, which are calculated in accordance with
Section 17 of the Partnership Agreement:


                                                          Years Ended December 31,
                                           1996         1995        1994         1993        1992
                                           ----         ----        ----         ----        ----
                                                                              
Net cash provided by operating
  activities (a)                        $4,250,925  $3,743,803   $3,580,615  $3,382,661   $3,334,499
Net change in operating assets
  and liabilities (a)                    (209,228)     111,983     (10,043)      40,419      111,775
                                        ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
Net cash provided by operations (a)      4,041,697   3,855,786    3,570,572   3,423,080    3,446,274
Increase in working capital reserves     (197,669)   (804,971)    (519,757)   (372,265)    (395,461)
                                        ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
Cash from operations (b)                 3,844,028   3,050,815    3,050,815   3,050,815    3,050,813
Decrease in working capital reserves             -           -            -           -            -
                                        ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
Distributable cash from operations (b)  $3,844,028  $3,050,815   $3,050,815  $3,050,815   $3,050,813
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========   ==========

Allocation to General Partner             $192,201    $152,541     $152,541    $152,541     $152,541
Allocation to John Hancock
  Limited Partner                          270,506           -            -           -            -
Allocation to Investors                  3,381,321   2,898,274    2,898,274   2,898,274    2,898,272
                                        ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------   ----------
                                        $3,844,028  $3,050,815   $3,050,815  $3,050,815   $3,050,813
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========   ==========

(a)  Net cash provided by operating activities, net change in operating
     assets and liabilities, and net cash provided by operations are as
     calculated in the Statements of Cash Flows included in Item 8 of this
     Report.
 (b) As defined in the Partnership Agreement.  Distributable Cash from
     Operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income
     (i.e. not an indicator of performance) or to reflect cash flows or
     availability of discretionary funds.

On February 14, 1997, the Partnership made a cash distribution in the
aggregate amount of $961,006 to the General Partner and Limited Partners.
This distribution was based on Distributable Cash from Operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 less amounts previously distributed.  This
amount was allocated 5% to the General Partner and 95% to the Limited
Partners, in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement.  Of
the amount distributed to the Limited Partners, the Investors received
$845,330, and the John Hancock Limited Partner received $67,626.  Such
amounts represent a 7% annualized return on Limited Partners' Invested
Capital.  The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will be able
to make cash distributions during 1997 comparable to those made during
1996.
                                    20

Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The response to this Item appears beginning on page F-1 of this Report.
The financial statements of QOCC-1 Associates, an investee of the
Registrant, as of and for the years ending December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
are included herewith.

Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure

No events requiring disclosure under this Item have occurred.

                                Part III

Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership

(a-b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers

By virtue of its organization as a limited partnership, the Partnership has
no directors or executive officers.  As indicated in Item 1 of this Report,
the General Partner of the Partnership is John Hancock Realty Equities,
Inc., a Delaware corporation.  Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership
Agreement, the General Partner is solely responsible for the management of
the Partnership's business.  The names and ages of the directors and
executive officers of the General Partner are as follows:

         Name                        Title                             Age
         ----                        -----                             ---
     William M. Fitzgerald      President and Director                   53
     Malcolm G. Pittman, III    Director                                 45
     Susan M. Shephard          Director                                 44
     Richard E. Frank           Treasurer (Chief Accounting Officer)     35

The term of office and other positions held by the persons listed above
appear in paragraph (e) below.

(c)   Identification of certain significant persons

The General Partner is responsible for the identification, analysis,
purchase, operation, and disposal of specific Partnership real estate
investments.  The General Partner has established a Real Estate Investment
Committee utilizing senior real estate personnel of John Hancock and its
affiliates to review each proposed investment.  The members of the Real
Estate Investment Committee are designated each year at the annual meeting
of the Board of Directors of John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.  The
current members of the committee are as follows:











                                    21

Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership (continued)

         Name                        Title                             Age
         ----                        -----                             ---
     Edward P. Dowd             Senior Vice President of                 54
                                John Hancock's Real Estate
                                Investment Group

     Kevin McGuire              Vice President of John Hancock's         50
                                Real Estate Investment Group,
                                President of John Hancock Realty
                                Services Corp. and subsidiaries

     Stephen Kindl              Senior Investment Officer of John        39
                                Hancock's Real Estate Investment
                                Group, Assistant Vice President of
                                John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.

(d)   Family relationships

There exist no family relationships among any of the foregoing directors or
officers of the General Partner.

(e)   Business Experience

William M. Fitzgerald (age 53), joined John Hancock in 1968.  He has been
President and a Director of the General Partner, and a Senior Investment
Officer of John Hancock, since June 1993 and a Director of Hancock Realty
Investors Incorporated since November 1991.  His term as a Director of the
General Partner expires in May 1997.  From 1987 to 1991, Mr. Fitzgerald was
a Senior Vice President of John Hancock Properties, Inc.  Prior to that
time, he held a number of positions including Senior Real Estate Management
Officer and Real Estate Management Officer of John Hancock.  He holds an
M.B.A. from Boston University and an A.B. from Boston College.

Malcolm G. Pittman, III (age 45), joined John Hancock in 1986 as an
Assistant Counsel.  He has been a Director of the General Partner since
November 1991.  His term as a Director of the General Partner expires in
May 1997.  Mr. Pittman has been a Counsel of John Hancock's Mortgage and
Real Estate Law Division since 1993.  From 1989 to 1993, he was an
Associate Counsel of John Hancock.  He holds a J.D. from Yale Law School
and a B.A. from Oberlin College.

Susan M. Shephard (age 44), joined John Hancock in 1985 as an Attorney.
She has been a Director of the General Partner since November 1991.  Her
term as a Director of the General Partner expires in May 1997.  Ms.
Shephard has been a Mortgage Investment Officer of John Hancock since 1991.
From 1988 to 1991, she was an Associate Counsel of John Hancock and from
1987 to 1988, she was an Assistant Counsel of John Hancock.  She holds a
J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from the University
of Rhode Island.






                                    22

Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership (continued)

Richard E. Frank (age 35), joined John Hancock in 1983.  He has been
Treasurer of the General Partner since June 1993.  Mr. Frank has been an
Associate Investment Officer of John Hancock since January 1995.  From 1993
to 1995, he was a Senior Financial Administrator of John Hancock; from 1991
to 1993, he was an Associate of Hancock Realty Investors, Incorporated;
from 1990 to 1991, he held the position of Assistant Treasurer of John
Hancock Realty Services Corp.  He holds a B.S. from Stonehill College.

Edward P. Dowd (age 54), joined John Hancock in 1970.  He has been a
Director of Hancock Realty Investors, Incorporated since 1991, and a
Director of John Hancock Realty Services Corp. and subsidiaries and John
Hancock Property Investors Corp. since 1987.  Mr. Dowd has been a Senior
Vice President of John Hancock since 1991.  From 1989 to 1990, he was a
Vice President of John Hancock and from 1986 to 1989, he was a Second Vice
President of John Hancock.  Prior to that time, he held a number of
positions including Senior Real Estate Investment Officer and Real Estate
Investment Officer of John Hancock.  From July 1982 to May 1986, Mr. Dowd
was President of the General Partner.  He holds an A.B. from Boston
College.

Kevin McGuire (age 50), joined John Hancock in 1968.  He has been a Vice
President of John Hancock since June 1993 and President of John Hancock
Realty Services Corp. and subsidiaries since July 1993.  He has been a
Managing Director and a Director of Hancock Realty Investors, Incorporated
since 1991, and a Director of John Hancock Property Investors Corp. since
1987.  Mr. McGuire served as an interim basis President of the General
Partner from May 1991 to November 1991 and was President of John Hancock
Properties, Inc. from 1987 to 1991.  Prior to that time, he held a number
of positions including Second Vice President, Senior Real Estate Investment
Officer and Real Estate Investment Officer of John Hancock.  He holds an
M.B.A. from Babson College and an A.B. from Boston College.

Stephen Kindl (age 39), joined John Hancock in 1995 as a Senior Real Estate
Investment Officer.  Prior to joining John Hancock, he held a number of
positions with Aetna Real Estate Investment, Inc., including Managing
Director and Director.  He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Hartford
and a B.S. from the University of Connecticut

(f)   Involvement in certain legal proceedings

None.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the
General Partner's directors and executive officers, as well as any person
holding more than ten percent of the Units, are required to report their
initial ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
Partnership (such requirements hereinafter referred to as "Section 16(a)
filing requirements").  Specific time deadlines for Section 16(a) filing
requirements have been established.




                                    23

Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership (continued)

To the Partnership's knowledge, no officer or director of the General
Partner has or had an ownership interest in the Partnership during the 1996
fiscal year or as of the date hereof.  In addition, to the Partnership's
knowledge, the County Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Cook County,
the greater than 10% holder of Units, was not required to file any reports
relating to Section 16(a) filing requirements during the 1996 fiscal year.

Item 11 - Executive Compensation

None of the officers or directors of the General Partner or any of the
members of the Real Estate Investment Committee referred to in Item 10(c)
receive any current direct remuneration from the Partnership in their
capacities as officers, directors or members of the Real Estate Investment
Committee, pursuant to any standard arrangements or otherwise, nor is any
such remuneration currently proposed.  In addition, the Partnership has not
given and does not propose to give any options, warrants or rights,
including stock appreciation rights, to any such person in such capacities.
No remuneration plan or arrangement exists with any such person in such
capacities resulting from resignation, retirement or any other termination.
Therefore, tables relating to these topics have been omitted.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation:

The Partnership did not have a Compensation Committee in 1996 and does not
currently have such a committee.  No current or former officer or employer
of the General Partner or its Affiliates participated during the 1996
fiscal year in deliberations regarding the General Partner's compensation
as it relates to the Partnership.

Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

(a)   Security ownership of certain beneficial owners
No person or group, including the General Partner, is known by the General
Partner to own beneficially more than 5% of the Partnership's 2,415,229
outstanding Units as of December 31, 1996, except as follows:

  Title of   Name and Address of      Amount and Nature of      Percent of
   Class       Beneficial Owner       Beneficial Ownership        Class
   -----       ----------------       --------------------        -----
  Assignee     County Employees          806,451 Units             33.39%
  Units        Annuity and Benefit       owned directly
               Fund of Cook County
               118 N. Clark St.
               Chicago, IL

(b)   Security ownership of management

By virtue of its organization as a Limited Partnership, the Partnership has
no officers or directors.  Neither the General Partner nor any officer or
director of the General Partner possesses the right to acquire a beneficial
ownership of Units.

                                    24

Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
(continued)

(c)   Changes in Control

The Partnership does not know of any arrangements the operations of which
may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Partnership.

Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

See Note 4 of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Item 8 of
this Report for a description of certain transactions and related amounts
payable by the Partnership to the General Partner and its Affiliates during
1996, 1995 and 1994.

The Partnership provides indemnification to the General Partner and its
Affiliates for acts or omissions of the General Partner or its Affiliates
performed in good faith on behalf of the Partnership, subject to certain
specified exceptions, as described in the following paragraph.

The Limited Partnership Agreement provides that neither the General Partner
nor any Affiliate of the General Partner shall be liable, responsible or
accountable in damages to any of the Partners or the Partnership for any
act or omission of the General Partner or such Affiliate in good faith on
behalf of the Partnership within the scope of the authority granted to the
General Partner by the Partnership Agreement and in the best interest of
the Partnership, except for acts or omissions constituting fraud,
negligence, misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty.  The General Partner
and its Affiliates performing services on behalf of the Partnership shall
be entitled to indemnity from the Partnership for any loss, damage, or
claim by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by the
General Partner or such Affiliates in good faith on behalf of the
Partnership and in a manner within the scope of the authority granted to
the General Partner by the Partnership Agreement and in the best interest
of the Partnership, except that they shall not be entitled to be
indemnified in respect of any loss, damage, or claim incurred by reason of
fraud, negligence, misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty.  Any indemnity
shall be provided out of and to the extent of Partnership assets only.

In accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the General
Partner and its Affiliates (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) are
entitled to the following types of compensation, fees, profits/(losses),
expense reimbursements and distributions:

A reimbursement for Acquisition Expenses (as defined in the Partnership
Agreement) incurred by the General Partner or its Affiliates was payable at
cost to the General Partner or its Affiliates. The Partnership completed
its property acquisitions on March 27, 1992 and, therefore, did not pay any
such reimbursements during the years ended 1996, 1995 or 1994.








                                    25

Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (continued)
An Affiliate of the General Partner may receive a Property Management Fee
for providing property management services for the Partnership's
properties.  The Partnership is obligated to pay a fee equal to the amount
customarily charged in arms-length transactions by other entities rendering
comparable services for comparable properties in the localities where the
Partnership's properties are located but in no event may such fee exceed 6%
of the gross receipts of the property under management.  To date, no
Affiliate of the General Partner has provided property management services
to the Partnership.  Therefore, the Partnership did not pay any such fees
during the years ended 1996, 1995 or 1994.

The General Partner and its Affiliates are also entitled to Reimbursement
for Expenses relating to the administrative services necessary to the
prudent operation of the Partnership, such as legal, accounting, computer,
transfer agent and other services.  The amounts charged to the Partnership
for such administrative services may not exceed the lesser of the General
Partner's or such Affiliate's costs or 90% of those which the Partnership
would be required to pay to independent parties for comparable services in
the same geographic area.  The Partnership reimbursed the General Partner
or its Affiliates for $179,330, $156,119 and $121,196 of such expenses
during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

A Subordinated Disposition Fee (as defined in the Partnership Agreement)
for selling properties is payable to the General Partner in the amount of
3% of the sales price of each property sold.  However, no such Subordinated
Disposition Fee may be paid to the General Partner unless and until the
Investors and the John Hancock Limited Partner have received a return of
their total Invested Capital (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) plus
the Cumulative Return on Investment (as defined in the Partnership
Agreement) of 12% per annum for all fiscal years ended prior to the date of
payment.  Such Subordinated Disposition Fee may not exceed 50% of the
competitive real estate commissions in the area where the property is
located or, together with any other brokerage commission payable to or by
any other person, exceed 6% of the contract sales price of such property.
The Partnership did not pay any such fees during the years ended 1996, 1995
or 1994.

In accordance with Section 8 of the Partnership Agreement (as described
more fully in Note 3 to the Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this
Report), 5% of Distributable Cash from Operations is distributable to the
General Partner and the remaining 95% in the following order of priority:
first, to the Investors in an amount sufficient to provide a non-
cumulative, non-compounded cash return equal to 7% per annum on their
Invested Capital; second, to the John Hancock Limited Partner in an amount
sufficient to provide a non-cumulative, non-compounded cash return equal to
7% per annum on its Invested Capital; and third, to the Investors and the
John Hancock Limited Partner in proportion to their respective capital
contributions.  The General Partner's share of Distributable Cash from
Operations was $192,201 for the year ended December 31, 1996 and $152,541
for each of the two years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
In accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the John Hancock
Limited Partner was entitled to a share of Distributable Cash from
Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996.  The John Hancock Limited
Partner's share for 1996 was $270,506.  Distributable Cash from Operations
was insufficient to provide the John Hancock Limited Partner with such a
distribution during the either of the years ended 1995 or 1994.
                                    26

Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (continued)

A Share of Cash from Sales or Financings may be distributed to the General
Partner and the John Hancock Limited Partner.  Cash from Sales or
Financings are distributable in accordance with Section 8 of the
Partnership Agreement (as described more fully in Note 3 to the Financial
Statements included in Item 8 of this Report).  No Sales or Financings have
occurred during the years ended 1996, 1995 or 1994 and, therefore, no such
distributions were made.

A Share of the Partnership's Profits or Losses for tax purposes is
allocable to the General Partner and to the Investors and the John Hancock
Limited Partner.  Such allocation generally approximates, insofar as
practicable, their percentage share of Distributable Cash from Operations
and of Cash from Sales or Financings.  The General Partner will generally
be allocated 1% of Partnership Losses for tax purposes, and the John
Hancock Limited Partner will be allocated tax losses associated with the
Partnership's sales commissions funded by the John Hancock Limited
Partner's Capital Contributions.  The General Partner's Share of such
Profits or Losses were profits of $189,088, $178,928 and $168,666 during
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  In
accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the John Hancock
Limited Partner was allocated $280,404 of profits during the year ended
December 31, 1996.  The John Hancock Limited Partner was not allocated any
such profits or losses during either of the years ended 1995 or 1994.

The following table reflects all compensation, fees, profits/(losses),
expense reimbursements and distributions from the Partnership to the
General Partner and/or its Affiliates for the three years ended December
31, 1996:

                                              Years Ended December 31,
                                             1996       1995        1994
                                             ----       ----        ----
  Operating Expenses                      $179,330   $156,119   $121,196
  General Partner Share of
    Distributable Cash from
    Operations                             192,201    152,541    152,541
  John Hancock Limited Partner's
    share of Distributable Cash
    from Operations                        270,506          -          -
  General Partner Share of Profits
    or Losses for tax purposes             189,088    178,928    168,666
  John Hancock Limited Partner's
    share of Profits or Losses
    for tax purposes                       280,404          -          -











                                    27

                                 Part IV

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  (1) and (2)  -   Listed on Index to Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules.

     (3)          -   Listing of Exhibits

Exhibit Number                                 Page Number or
   Under                                      Incorporation by
Regulation S-K      Description                  Reference
- ---------------     -----------                  ----------

  4         Instruments defining the rights
            of security holders

     4.1    Amended and Restated                  Exhibit A to the
            Agreement of Limited                  Prospectus
            Partnership*                          filed under
                                                  the Partnership's
                                                  Amendment No. 1 to
                                                  Form S-11
                                                  Registration Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     4.2    Subscription Agreement                Exhibit D to the
            Signature Page and Power of           Prospectus
            Attorney whereby a subscriber         filed under
            agrees to purchase Units and          the Partnership's
            adopts the provisions of the          Amendment No. 1 to
            Amended Agreement of Limited          Form S-11
            Partnership*                          Registration
                                                  Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     4.3    Copy of Certificate of                Exhibit 4.3 to the
            Limited Partnership filed             Partnership's
            with the Massachusetts Secretary      Amendment No. 1 to
            of State on November 4, 1988*         Form S-11
                                                  Registration
                                                  Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     4.4    Copy of First Amendment and           Exhibit 4.4 to the
            Restatement of Certificate            Partnership's
            of Limited Partnership filed          Amendment No. 1 to
            with the Massachusetts Secretary      Form S-11
            of State on February 8, 1989*         Registration
                                                  Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)





                                    28

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

  10        Material contracts and other
            documents

     10.1   Form of Escrow Agreement*             Exhibit 10.1 to
                                                  the Partnership's
                                                  Amendment No. 1 to
                                                  Form S-11
                                                  Registration Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     10.2   Documents relating to Quince
            Orchard Corporate Center

     (a)    Investment Agreement dated            Exhibit 10.2(a) to
            December 27, 1988, among              the Partnership's
            JH Quince Orchard Partners,           Amendment No. 1 to
            Quad Properties, Inc. and             Form S-11
            General Electric Real Estate          Registration Statement
            Credit Operations*                    (File 33-25298)

     (b)    Amended and Restated Partnership      Exhibit 10.2(b) to
            Agreement for QOCC-1 Associates       the Partnership's
            dated December 27, 1988, among        Amendment No. 1 to
            JH Quince Orchard Partners,           Form S-11
            Quad Properties, Inc. and             Registration
            General Electric Real Estate          Statement
            Credit Operations*                    (File 33-25298)

     (c)    Property Management Agreement         Exhibit 10.2(c) to
            dated December 27, 1988,              the Partnership's
            between QOCC-1 Associates and         Amendment No. 1 to
            Quadrangle Development                Form S-11
            Corporation*                          Registration Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     (d)    Partnership Agreement for             Exhibit 10.2(d) to
            JH Quince Orchard Partners            the Partnership's
            dated as of December 23, 1988,        Amendment No. 1 to
            between John Hancock Realty           Form S-11
            Income Fund-II Limited Partnership    Registration Statement
            and John Hancock Realty Income        (File 33-25298)
            Fund-III Limited Partnership*

     10.3   Documents relating to Palms
            of Carrollwood Shopping Center

     (a)    Letter Agreement dated November 9,    Exhibit 1 to the
            1989 between Special Asset            Partnership's Report
            Holdings, Inc. and John Hancock       on Form 8-K dated
            Realty Equities, Inc.*                December 29, 1989
                                                  (File 33-25298)



                                    29

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

     (b)    Amendment to Agreement of Purchase    Exhibit 2 to the
            and Sale dated August 28, 1989        Partnership's Report
            between Special Asset Holding Inc.    on Form 8-K dated
            and John Hancock Realty Equities,     December 29, 1989
            Inc.*                                 (File 33-25298)

     (c)    Agreement of Purchase and Sale        Exhibit 3 to the
            dated June 22, 1989, between          Partnership's Report on
            Special Asset Holding Inc. and        Form 8-K dated
            John Hancock Realty Equities,         December 29, 1989
            Inc.*                                 (File 33-25298)

     (d)    Warranty and Guaranty dated           Exhibit 4 to the
            December 28, 1989 between             Partnership's Report
            Pittsburgh National Bank and          on Form 8-K dated
            John Hancock Realty Income Fund -     December 29, 1989
            III Limited Partnership.*             (File 33-25298)

     (e)    Rental Escrow Agreement dated         Exhibit 5 to the
            December 28, 1989 relating to         Partnership's Report
            Palms of Carrollwood Shopping         on Form 8-K dated
            Center.*                              December 29, 1989
                                                  (File 33-25298)

     10.4   Documents relating to Yokohama
            Tire Warehouse

     (a)    Agreement of Purchase and Sale        Exhibit to the
            dated June 25, 1991 between D/S       Partnership's Report
            Louisville Joint Venture and John     on Form 8-K dated
            Hancock Realty Income Fund-III        July 25, 1991
            Limited Partnership.*                 (File 0-18563)

     (b)    Lease/Purchase option dated           Exhibit to the
            October 12, 1989 relating to          Partnership's Report
            Yokohama Tire Warehouse*              on Form 8-K dated
                                                  July 25, 1991
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (c)    Amendment to lease dated              Exhibit to the
            September 24, 1990 relating to        Partnership's Report
            Yokohama Tire Warehouse*              on Form 8-K dated
                                                  July 25, 1991
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     10.5   Documents relating to the
            Purina Mills Distribution Building

     (a)    Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated  Exhibit 1 to the
            November 25, 1991 between             Partnership's report
            Perkinson Realty Corporation and      on Form 8-K dated
            John Hancock Realty Income Fund-III   December 27, 1991
            Limited Partnership*                  (File 0-18563)

                                    30

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

     (b)    Office/Warehouse lease dated          Exhibit 2 to the
            April 16, 1991 relating to the        Partnership's report on
            Purina Mills Distribution             Form 8-K dated
            Building*                             December 27, 1991
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     10.6   Documents relating to the
            Allmetal Distribution Building

     (a)    Real Estate Sale Agreement            Exhibit 1 to Amendment
            dated January 31, 1992 between        Number 1 on Form 8 to the
            The Travelers Insurance Company       Partnership's report on
            and John Hancock Realty               Form 8-K
            Income Fund-III Limited               dated February 11, 1992
            Partnership*                          (File 0-18563)

     10.7   Documents relating to the Stone
            Container Building

     (a)    Agreement of Purchase and             Exhibit 1 to Amendment
            Sale dated January 30, 1992           Number 2 on Form 8 to the
            between World Park Limited            Partnership's report on
            Partnership and John Hancock          Form 8-K dated
            Realty Income Fund-III                February 11, 1992
            Limited Partnership*                  (File 0-18563)

     (b)    Amendment to Purchase                 Exhibit 2 to Amendment
            and Sale Agreement dated              Number 2 on Form 8 to the
            February 28, 1992 between             Partnership's report on
            World Park Limited Partnership        Form 8-K dated
            and John Hancock Realty Income        February 11, 1992
            Fund-III Limited Partnership*         (File 0-18563)

     (c)    Lease dated March 2, 1992 relating    Exhibit 3 to Amendment
            to the Stone Container Building*      Number 2 on Form 8
                                                  to the Partnership's
                                                  report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     10.8   Documents relating to the Business Center
            at Pureland

     (a)    Agreement of Purchase and Sale        Exhibit 1 to Amendment
            dated January 24, 1992 between        Number 3 on Form 8
            The Prentiss/Copley Investment        to the Partnership's
            Group and John Hancock Realty         report on Form 8-K dated
            Income Fund-III Limited               February 11, 1992
            Partnership*                          (File 0-18563)





                                    31

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

     (b)    Amendment to Purchase and Sale        Exhibit 2 to Amendment
            Agreement dated March 5, 1992         Number 3 on Form 8
            between The Prentiss/Copley           to the Partnership's
            Investment Group and John             report on Form 8-K dated
            Hancock Realty Income Fund-III        February 11, 1992
            Limited Partnership*                  (File 0-18563)

     (c)    Lease dated February 5, 1991          Exhibit 3 to Amendment
            relating to Building Number One at    Number 3 on Form 8
            the Business Center at Pureland*      to the Partnership's
                                                  report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (d)    First Amendment to Lease              Exhibit 4 to Amendment
            dated March 26, 1992 relating         Number 3 on Form 8
            to Building Number One at the         to the Partnership's
            Business Center at Pureland*          report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (e)    Lease Agreement dated                 Exhibit 5 to Amendment
            December 7, 1989 relating to          Number 3 on Form 8
            Building Number Two at the            to the Partnership's
            Business Center at Pureland*          report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (f)    First Amendment to Lease              Exhibit 6 to Amendment
            dated January 4, 1990 relating        Number 3 on Form 8
            to Building Number Two at the         to the Partnership's
            Business Center at Pureland*          report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (g)    Second Amendment to Lease             Exhibit 7 to Amendment
            dated March 16, 1990 relating         Number 3 on Form 8
            to Building Number Two at the         to the Partnership's
            Business Center at Pureland*          report on Form 8-K dated
                                                  February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

     (h)    Third Amendment to Lease              Exhibit 8 to Amendment
            dated September 17, 1990              Number 3 on Form 8
            relating to Building Number           to the Partnership's
            Two at the Business Center            report on Form 8-K dated
            at Pureland*                          February 11, 1992
                                                  (File 0-18563)

                                    32

Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(continued)

     10.9   Documents relating to the
            Management Agreement

     (a)    Management Agreement dated January    Exhibit 10.9(a) to the
            1, 1992 between Hancock Realty        Partnership's report on
            Investors Incorporated and            Form 10-K dated
            John Hancock Realty Equities,         December 31, 1992
            Inc.*                                 (File 0-18563)

     (b)    Agreement Concerning Subcontracting   Exhibit 10.9(b) to the
            of Management Services Pertaining     Partnership's report
            to John Hancock Realty Income         on Form 10-K dated
            Fund-III Limited Partnership          December 31, 1993
            dated May 28, 1993between John        (File 0-18563)
            Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.,
            Hancock Realty Investors,
            Incorporated and John Hancock
            Mutual Life Insurance Company*

     10.10  Documents relating to Executive
            Compensation Plans and Arrangements

     (a)    Amended and Restated Agreement of     Exhibit A to the
            Limited Partnership*                  Prospectus filed
                                                  under the Partnership's
                                                  Amendment No. 1 to
                                                  Form S-11
                                                  Registration Statement
                                                  (File 33-25298)


(b)  There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended
     December 31, 1996.

(c)  Exhibits - See Item 14 (a) (3) of this Report.

(d)  Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this portion of Item
     14 is submitted as a separate section of this Report commencing on
     Page F-48.




  +Filed herewith
  *Incorporated by reference








                                    33


                                SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the
31st day of March, 1997.

                              JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III
                              LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                              By:  John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.
                                   General Partner

                              By:  WILLIAM M. FITZGERALD
                                   ---------------------
                                   William M. Fitzgerald, President


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 31st day of March, 1997.


   Signatures                         Title
   ----------                         -----

                               President (Principal Executive Officer) and
                               Director of John Hancock Realty Equities,
   WILLIAM M. FITZGERALD       Inc. (General Partner of Registrant)
   ---------------------
   William M. Fitzgerald


                               Treasurer (Chief Accounting Officer) of
                               John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.
  RICHARD E. FRANK             (General Partner of Registrant)
  ---------------------
  Richard E. Frank


                               Director of John Hancock Realty Equities,
  MALCOLM G. PITTMAN           Inc. (General Partner of Registrant)
   ---------------------
  Malcolm G. Pittman, III


                               Director of John Hancock Realty Equities,
  SUSAN M. SHEPHARD            Inc. (General Partner of Registrant)
   ---------------------
  Susan M. Shephard






                                    34










                        ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K



               ITEM 8, ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2), (c) AND (d)



               FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996



         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP



                          BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS






         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                     (ITEMS 8 AND 14 (A) (1) AND (2))

(1)  (a)    Financial Statements of the Registrant                Page
       Report of Independent Auditors                              F-3
       Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995                F-4
         Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
       December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                            F-5
         Statements of Partners' Equity for the Years Ended
       December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                            F-6
         Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
       December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                            F-7
       Notes to Financial Statements                               F-8

     (b)       Financial Statements of the Investee
       Report of Independent Auditors                              F-20
       Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996                          F-21
       Statement of Operations for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1996                                   F-22
       Statement of Partners' Equity for the
         Year Ended December 31, 1996                              F-23
       Statement of Cash Flows for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1996                                   F-24
       Notes to Financial Statements                               F-25

       Report of Independent Auditors                              F-30
       Balance Sheet at December 31, 1995                          F-31
       Statement of Operations for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1995                                   F-32
       Statement of Partners' Equity for the
         Year Ended December 31, 1995                              F-33
       Statement of Cash Flows for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1995                                   F-34
       Notes to Financial Statements                               F-35

       Report of Independent Auditors                              F-40
       Balance Sheet at December 31, 1994                          F-41
       Statement of Operations for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1994                                   F-42
       Statement of Partners' Equity for the
         Year Ended December 31, 1994                              F-43
       Statement of Cash Flows for the Year
         Ended December 31, 1994                                   F-44
       Notes to Financial Statements                               F-45

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules
     Schedule III:   Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation      F-48

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not
required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore,
have been omitted.

                                   F-2


                      Report of Independent Auditors


To the Partners
John Hancock Realty Income Fund-DIII Limited Partnership


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of John Hancock Realty
Income Fund III Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related statements of operations, partners' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits
also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item
14(a).  These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Partnership's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.  The financial statements
of QOCC-1 Associates (a limited partnership in which JH Quince Orchard
Partners, a joint venture in which the Partnership has a 50% interest, has
a 75% interest) have been audited by other auditors whose reports have been
furnished to us; insofar as our opinion on the financial statements relates
to data included for QOCC-1 Associates, it is based solely on their
reports.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits
and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of John Hancock Realty Income Fund-III
Limited Partnership at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.



                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 14, 1997, except
  for Note 9, as to which the
  date is March 18, 1997





                                   F-3

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                              BALANCE SHEETS

                                  ASSETS
                                                    December 31,
                                                 1996           1995
                                                 ----           ----
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents                   $2,663,859     $2,431,272
 Restricted cash                                 17,739          6,323
 Other current assets                           165,654        282,343
                                            -----------    -----------
                                              2,847,252      2,719,938
Investment in property:
 Land                                         8,410,535      8,410,535
 Building and improvements                   24,942,540     24,942,540
                                            -----------    -----------
                                             33,353,075     33,353,075
 Less:   accumulated depreciation             4,649,036      3,819,371
                                            -----------    -----------
                                             28,704,039     29,533,704

Investment in joint venture                   7,638,805      7,907,123

Long-term restricted cash                        90,220         91,885

Deferred expenses, net of accumulated
 amortization of $1,025,259 in 1996 and
 $724,584 in 1995                             1,601,682      1,556,764

Other assets                                     14,888         15,138
                                            -----------    -----------
   Total assets                             $40,896,886    $41,824,552
                                            ===========    ===========

                    LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses         $287,374       $240,389
 Accounts payable to affiliates                  93,467         38,412
                                            -----------    -----------
   Total current liabilities                    380,841        278,801

Partners' equity/(deficit):
 General partners                              (43,423)       (44,553)
 Limited partners                            40,559,468     41,590,304
                                            -----------    -----------
   Total partners' equity                    40,516,045     41,545,751
                                            -----------    -----------
   Total liabilities and partners' equity   $40,896,886    $41,824,552
                                            ===========    ===========


                    See Notes to Financial Statements

                                   F-4

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                         STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


                                               Years Ended December 31,
                                            1996         1995        1994
                                            ----         ----        ----
Income:
  Rental income                         $3,606,964  $3,404,659   $3,407,133
  Income from joint venture                701,988     755,198      541,187
  Interest income                          145,734     162,332      105,917
                                       -----------  ----------   ----------
   Total income                          4,454,686   4,322,189    4,054,237

Expenses:
  Depreciation                             829,665     829,665      829,665
  Property operating expenses              323,918     264,629      266,312
  Amortization of deferred expenses        327,697     209,655      226,156
  General and administrative expenses      357,389     241,608      188,843
                                       -----------  ----------   ----------
   Total expenses                        1,838,669   1,545,557    1,510,976
                                       -----------  ----------   ----------
   Net income                           $2,616,017  $2,776,632   $2,543,261
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========

Allocation of net income:
     General Partner                      $183,416    $186,708     $175,393
     John Hancock Limited Partner          276,653           -            -
     Investors                           2,155,948   2,589,924    2,367,868
                                       -----------  ----------   ----------
                                        $2,616,017  $2,776,632   $2,543,261
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========

Net Income per Unit                         $0.89        $1.07       $0.98
                                        ==========  ==========   ==========

















                    See Notes to Financial Statements

                                   F-5

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                      STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' EQUITY
               Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


                                                      General          Limited
                                                      Partner          Partners        Total
                                                      -------         ---------        -----
                                                                               
Partners' equity/(deficit) at January 1, 1994
   (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                    ($101,572)       $42,429,060    $42,327,488

Less:   Cash distributions                           (152,541)       (2,898,274)    (3,050,815)

Add:    Net income                                     175,393         2,367,868      2,543,261
                                                      --------       -----------     ----------
Partners' equity/(deficit) at December 31, 1994
   (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                      (78,720)        41,898,654     41,819,934

Less:   Cash distributions                           (152,541)       (2,898,274)    (3,050,815)

Add:    Net income                                     186,708         2,589,924      2,776,632
                                                      --------       -----------     ----------
Partners' equity/(deficit) at December 31, 1995
   (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                      (44,553)        41,590,304     41,545,751

Less:   Cash distributions                           (182,286)       (3,463,437)    (3,645,723)

Add:    Net income                                     183,416         2,432,601      2,616,017
                                                      --------       -----------     ----------
Partners' equity/(deficit) at December 31, 1996
   (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                     ($43,423)       $40,559,468    $40,516,045
                                                      ========       ===========    ===========



















                    See Notes to Financial Statements

                                   F-6

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                         STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                          1996              1995             1994
                                                          ----              ----             ----
                                                                                    
Operating activities:
  Net income                                           $2,616,017       $2,776,632        $2,543,261
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                          829,665          829,665           829,665
    Amortization of deferred expenses                     327,697          209,655           226,156
    Cash distributions over/(under) equity
       in income from joint venture                       268,318           39,834          (28,510)
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
                                                        4,041,697        3,855,786         3,570,572

  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Decrease/(increase) in restricted cash                (9,751)            5,695           (8,957)
    Increase in other current assets                      116,689        (128,188)          (39,357)
    Increase in other assets                                  250          (8,798)                 -
    Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and
       accrued expenses                                    46,985           10,949            40,954
    Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable
       to affiliates                                       55,055            8,359            17,403
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
       Net cash provided by operating activities        4,250,925        3,743,803         3,580,615

Investing activities:
  Increase in investment in joint venture                       -                -       (1,104,902)
  Acquisition of deferred expenses
     and other assets                                   (372,615)        (899,438)          (57,377)
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
       Net cash used in investing activities            (372,615)        (899,438)       (1,162,279)

Financing activities:
  Cash distributed to Partners                        (3,645,723)      (3,050,815)       (3,050,815)
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
       Net cash used in financing activities          (3,645,723)      (3,050,815)       (3,050,815)
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
       Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
          cash equivalents                                232,587        (206,450)         (632,479)

       Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
          of year                                       2,431,272        2,637,722         3,270,201
                                                       ----------       ----------        ----------
       Cash and cash equivalents at end
          of year                                      $2,663,859       $2,431,272        $2,637,722
                                                       ==========       ==========        ==========


                    See Notes to Financial Statements

                                   F-7

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                      NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   Organization of Partnership
     ---------------------------
     John Hancock Realty Income Fund-III Limited Partnership (the
     "Partnership") was formed under the Massachusetts Uniform Limited
     Partnership Act on November 4, 1988.  As of December 31, 1996, the
     Partnership consisted of John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc. (the
     "General Partner"), a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of John
     Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company; John Hancock Realty Funding,
     Inc. (the "John Hancock Limited Partner"); John Hancock Income
     Fund-III Assignor, Inc. (the "Assignor Limited Partner"); and 2,612
     Unitholders (the "Investors").  The Assignor Limited Partner holds
     five Investor Limited Partnership Interests for its own account and
     2,415,229 Assignee Units (the "Units"), representing economic and
     certain other rights attributable to Investor Limited Partnership
     Interests in the Partnership, for the benefit of the Investors.  The
     John Hancock Limited Partner, the Assignor Limited Partner and the
     Investors are collectively referred to as the Limited Partners.  The
     General Partner and the Limited Partners are collectively referred to
     as the Partners.  The initial capital of the Partnership was $2,100,
     representing capital contributions of $1,000 from the General Partner,
     $1,000 from the John Hancock Limited Partner, and $100 from the
     Assignor Limited Partner.  The Amended Agreement of Limited
     Partnership of the Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement")
     authorized the issuance of up to 5,000,000 Units at $20 per unit.
     During the offering period, which terminated on February 15, 1991,
     2,415,229 Units were sold and the John Hancock Limited Partner made
     additional capital contributions of $3,863,366.  There were no changes
     in the number of Units outstanding subsequent to the termination of
     the offering period.
     
     The Partnership is engaged solely in the business of acquiring,
     holding for investment and disposing of existing income-producing
     retail, industrial and office properties on an all-cash basis, free
     and clear of mortgage indebtedness.  Although the Partnership's
     properties were acquired and are held free and clear of mortgage
     indebtedness, the Partnership may incur mortgage indebtedness under
     certain circumstances as specified in the Partnership Agreement.

     The latest date on which the Partnership is due to terminate is
     December 31, 2019, unless it is sooner terminated in accordance with
     the terms of the Partnership Agreement.  It is expected that, in the
     ordinary course of the Partnership's business, the properties of the
     Partnership will be disposed of, and the Partnership terminated,
     before December 31, 2019.







                                   F-8

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

2.   Significant Accounting Policies
     -------------------------------
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
     accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
     and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
     liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
     date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue
     and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ
     from those estimates.
     
     The Partnership maintains its accounting records and recognizes rental
     revenue on the accrual basis.
     
     Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of
     three months or less when purchased.  These investments are recorded
     at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.
     Restricted cash represents funds restricted for tenant security
     deposits and has been designated as current or long-term based upon
     the term of the related lease agreement.
     
     Investments in property are recorded at cost less any property write-
     downs for impairment in value.  Cost includes the initial purchase
     price of the property plus acquisition and legal fees, other
     miscellaneous acquisition costs, and the cost of significant
     improvements.
     
     Depreciation has been provided on a straight-line basis over the
     estimated useful lives of the various assets:  thirty years for the
     buildings and five years for related improvements.  Maintenance and
     repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
     
     Investment in joint venture is recorded using the equity method.
     
     Acquisition fees for the joint venture investment have been deferred
     and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of
     thirty-one and a half years.  Other deferred acquisition fees are
     being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of eighty-four
     months.  Capitalized tenant improvements and lease commissions are
     being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases
     to which they relate.
     
     No provision for income taxes has been made in the financial
     statements as such taxes are the responsibility of the individual
     partners and not of the Partnership.
     
     The net income per Unit for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
     and 1994 is calculated by dividing the Investors' share of net income
     by the number of Units outstanding during each year.
     



                                   F-9

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
2.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
     -------------------------------
     In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Partnership adopted the Financial
     Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the
     Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
     Disposed Of" (the "Statement 121").  Statement 121 requires impairment
     losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
     indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows
     estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
     carrying amounts.  Statement 121 also addresses the accounting for
     long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of.  The adoption
     of Statement 121 had no effect on the Partnership's financial
     statements at December 31, 1996.
     
3.   The Partnership Agreement
     -------------------------
     Neither the General Partner nor any affiliate of the General Partner
     shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages to any of the
     Partners or the Partnership for any act or omission of the General
     Partner or such affiliate in good faith on behalf of the Partnership
     within the scope of the authority granted to the General Partner by
     the Partnership Agreement and in the best interest of the Partnership,
     except for acts or omissions constituting fraud, negligence,
     misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty.  The General Partner and its
     affiliates performing services on behalf of the Partnership shall be
     entitled to indemnity from the Partnership for any loss, damage, or
     claim by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by the
     General Partner or such affiliates in good faith on behalf of the
     Partnership and in a manner within the scope of the authority granted
     to the General Partner by the Partnership Agreement and in the best
     interest of the Partnership, except that they shall not be entitled to
     be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage, or claim incurred by
     reason of fraud, negligence, misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty.
     Any indemnity shall be provided out of and to the extent of
     Partnership assets only.  The Partnership shall not advance any funds
     to the General Partner or its affiliates for legal expenses and other
     costs incurred as a result of any legal action initiated against the
     General Partner or its affiliates by a Limited Partner in the
     Partnership.

     Distributable Cash from Operations (defined in the Partnership
     Agreement) is distributed 5% to the General Partner and the remaining
     95% in the following order of priority:  first, to the Investors until
     they receive a 7% non-cumulative, non-compounded annual cash return on
     their Invested Capital (defined in the Partnership Agreement) second,
     to the John Hancock Limited Partner until it receives a 7%
     non-cumulative, non-compounded annual cash return on its Invested
     Capital; and third, to the Investors and the John Hancock Limited
     Partner in proportion to their respective Capital Contributions
     (defined in the Partnership Agreement).  However, any Distributable
     Cash from Operations which is available as a result of a reduction in
     working capital reserves funded by Capital Contributions of the
     Investors will be distributed 100% to the Investors.
                                   F-10

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3.   The Partnership Agreement (continued)
     -------------------------
     Profits for tax purposes from the normal operations of the Partnership
     for each fiscal year are allocated to the Partners in the same amounts
     as Distributable Cash from Operations for that year.  If such profits
     are less than Distributable Cash from Operations for any year, they
     are allocated in proportion to the amounts of Distributable Cash from
     Operations for that year.  If such profits are greater than
     Distributable Cash from Operations for any year, they are allocated 5%
     to the General Partner and 95% to the John Hancock Limited Partner and
     the Investors, with the allocation made between the John Hancock
     Limited Partner and the Investors in proportion to their respective
     Capital Contributions.  Losses for tax purposes from the normal
     operations of the Partnership are allocated 1% to the General Partner
     and 99% to the John Hancock Limited Partner and the Investors, with
     the allocation made between the John Hancock Limited Partner and the
     Investors in proportion to their respective Capital Contributions.
     However, all tax aspects of the Partnership's payment of the sales
     commissions from the Capital Contributions made by the John Hancock
     Limited Partner are allocated 1% to the General Partner and 99% to the
     John Hancock Limited Partner, and not to the Investors.  Depreciation
     deductions are allocated 1% to the General Partner and 99% to the
     Investors, and not to the John Hancock Limited Partner.

4.   Transactions with the General Partner and Affiliates
     ----------------------------------------------------
     Fees, commissions and other costs incurred or paid by the General
     Partner or its Affiliates during the three years ended December 31,
     1996, 1995 and 1994, and to which the General Partner or its
     Affiliates are entitled to reimbursement from the Partnership were
     $179,330, $156,119 and $121,196, respectively.

     The Partnership provides indemnification to the General Partner and
     its Affiliates for any acts or omissions of the General Partner or
     such Affiliate in good faith on behalf of the Partnership, except for
     acts or omissions constituting fraud, negligence, misconduct or breach
     of fiduciary duty.  The General Partner believes that this
     indemnification applies to the class action complaint described in
     Note 9.  Accordingly, the Partnership has accrued $41,475 for the year
     ended December 31, 1996, which amount is included in the Statements of
     Operations and represents the Partnership's share of costs incurred by
     the General Partner and its affiliates relating to the class action
     complaint.
     








                                   F-11

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4.   Transactions with the General Partner and Affiliates (continued)
     ----------------------------------------------------
     Accounts payable to affiliates represents amounts due to the General
     Partner or its Affiliates for various services provided to the
     Partnership, including amounts to indemnify the General Partner or its
     Affiliates for claims incurred by them in connection with their
     actions as General Partner of the Partnership. All amounts accrued by
     the Partnership to indemnify the General Partner or its affiliates for
     legal fees incurred by them shall not be paid unless or until all
     conditions set forth in the Partnership Agreement for such payment
     have been fulfilled.
     
     The General Partner serves in a similar capacity for two other
     affiliated real estate limited partnerships.
     
5.   Investment in Property
     ----------------------
     Investment in property at cost, less any write-downs, consists of
     managed, fully-operating, commercial real estate as follows:
                                                       December 31,
                                                   1996           1995
                                                   ----           ----

        Palms of Carrollwood Shopping
          Center                              $10,930,578    $10,930,578
        Yokohama Tire Warehouse                 9,352,221      9,352,221
        Purina Mills Distribution Building      4,203,406      4,203,406
        Allmetal Distribution Building          1,636,050      1,636,050
        Stone Container Building                2,088,804      2,088,804
        Business Center at Pureland             5,142,016      5,142,016
                                              -----------      ---------
                                              $33,353,075    $33,353,075
                                              ===========    ===========

     The real estate market is cyclical in nature and is materially
     affected by general economic trends and economic conditions in the
     market where a property is located.  As a result, determination of
     real estate values involves subjective judgments.  These judgments are
     based on current market conditions and assumptions related to future
     market conditions.  These assumptions involve, among other things, the
     availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates, interest rates
     and inflation rates.  Amounts ultimately realized from each property
     may vary significantly from the market values presented and the
     differences could be material.  Actual market values of real estate
     can be determined only by negotiation between the parties in a sales
     transaction.
     
     The Partnership leases its properties to non-affiliated tenants
     primarily under long-term operating leases.
     


                                   F-12

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

5.   Investment in Property (continued)
     ----------------------
     At December 31, 1996, future minimum rentals on non-cancelable leases
     relating to the above properties were as follows:
     
                         1997                $3,637,831
                         1998                 3,717,530
                         1999                 1,843,124
                         2000                 1,536,773
                         2001                 1,234,610
                         Thereafter           4,706,639
                                             ----------
                            Total           $16,676,507
                                            ===========

6.   Investment in Joint Venture
     ---------------------------
     On December 28, 1988, the Partnership invested $75,000 to acquire a
     0.5% interest in JH Quince Orchard Partners (the "Affiliated Joint
     Venture"), a joint venture between the Partnership and John Hancock
     Realty Income Fund-II Limited Partnership ("Income Fund-II").  The
     Partnership had an initial 0.5% interest and Income Fund-II had an
     initial 99.5% interest in the Affiliated Joint Venture.  Pursuant to
     the partnership agreement of the Affiliated Joint Venture, the
     Partnership had the option, exercisable prior to December 31, 1990, to
     increase its investment and interest in the Affiliated Joint Venture
     to 50%.  During the second quarter of 1989, the Partnership exercised
     such option and Income Fund-II transferred a 49.5% interest in the
     Affiliated Joint Venture to the Partnership for cash in the aggregate
     amount of $7,325,672.  The Partnership has held a 50% interest in the
     Affiliated Joint Venture since the second quarter of 1989.
     
     On December 28, 1988, the Affiliated Joint Venture contributed 98% of
     the invested capital of, and acquired a 75% interest in, QOCC-1
     Associates, an existing partnership which owns and operates the Quince
     Orchard Corporate Center, a three-story office building and related
     land and improvements located in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The
     partnership agreement of QOCC-1 Associates provides that the
     Affiliated Joint Venture contribute 95% of any required additional
     capital contributions.  Of the cumulative total invested capital in
     QOCC-1 Associates at December 31, 1996, 97.55% has been contributed by
     the Affiliated Joint Venture.  The Affiliated Joint Venture continues
     to hold a 75% interest in QOCC-1 Associates.
     
                                   F-13

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

6.   Investment in Joint Venture (continued)
     ---------------------------
     Net cash flow from QOCC-1 Associates is distributed in the following
     order of priority:  (i) to the payment of all debts and liabilities of
     QOCC-1 Associates and to fund reserves deemed reasonably necessary;
     ii), to the partners in proportion to their respective invested
     capital until each has received a 9% return on invested capital and
     iii) the balance, if any, to the partners in proportion to their
     interests.  During 1996, the partners received a return on invested
     capital in excess of 9%.  Prior to 1996, QOCC-1 Associates had not
     provided the partners with a return in excess of 9% on their invested
     capital
     
     Income and gains of QOCC-1 Associates, other than the gains allocated
     arising from a sale other similar event with respect to the Quince
     Orchard Corporate Center, are allocated in the following order of
     priority:  i) to the partners who are entitled to receive a
     distribution of net cash flow, pro rata in the same order and amounts
     as such distributions are made and ii) the balance, if any, to the
     partners, pro rata in accordance with their interests.

     Summarized financial information for QOCC-1 Associates is as follows:
                                                    Financial Position at
                                                         December 31,
                                                       1996       1995
                                                       ----       ----
      Current assets                                $152,573       $168,756
      Deferred expenses, net                       1,835,645      2,140,529
      Other assets                                 1,724,493      1,623,912
      Investment in property, net                 12,304,945     12,644,363
                                                ------------    -----------
        Total assets                             $16,017,656    $16,577,560
                                                 ===========    ===========

      Current liabilities                           $476,658       $465,743
      Partners' equity                            15,540,998     16,111,817
                                                ------------    -----------
        Total liabilities and equity             $16,017,656    $16,577,560
                                                 ===========    ===========

                                               Results of Operations
                                              Years Ended December 31,
                                             1996       1995        1994
                                             ----       ----        ----
      Total income                   $2,754,712    $2,719,151    $2,243,942
      Total expenses                  1,220,531     1,180,460     1,144,080
                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
        Net income                   $1,534,181    $1,538,691    $1,099,862
                                     ==========    ==========    ==========



                                   F-14

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

6.   Investment in Joint Venture (continued)
     ---------------------------
     The Affiliated Joint Venture's share of QOCC-1 Associates' partners'
     equity was $15,540,998 and $16,111,817 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively.  The Affiliated Joint Venture's share of QOCC-1
     Associates' net income was $1,403,992, $1,510,397 and $1,082,373 for
     the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  As
     noted above, the Partnership has a 50% interest in the Affiliated
     Joint Venture.

7.   Deferred Expenses
     -----------------
      Deferred expenses consist of the following:


                                                                        Unamortized Balance at
                                                                             December 31,
      Description                                                      1996            1995
      -----------                                                      ----            ----
                                                                                  
     $152,880 of acquisition fees for
     investment in the Affiliated Joint
     Venture.  This amount
     is amortized over a period
     of 31.5 years.                                                     $114,256       $119,109

     $1,087,190 of tenant improvements.  These
     amounts are amortized over the terms
     of the leases to which they relate.                                 900,220        719,916

     $313,250 of lease commissions.  These
     amounts are amortized over the terms
     of the leases to which they relate.                                 242,114        219,273

     $1,073,621 of acquisition fees paid to the
     General Partner.  This amount
     is amortized over a period of
     eighty-four months.                                                 345,092        498,466
                                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                                      $1,601,682     $1,556,764
                                                                      ==========     ==========











                                   F-15

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

8.   Federal Income Taxes
     --------------------
     A reconciliation of the net income reported in the Statements of
     Operations to the net income reported for federal income tax purposes
     is as follows:
     
     
                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                               1996           1995           1994
                                                               ----           ----           ----
                                                                                    
       Net income per Statements of Operations              $2,616,017     $2,776,632     $2,543,261

       Add/(less):    Excess of book depreciation
                         over tax depreciation                 141,284        142,021        142,890
                      Excess of book amortization
                         over tax amortization                 159,378         59,511         81,580
                      Other income                            (48,622)      (195,901)      (183,625)
                      Other expenses                           101,918              -         20,966
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------
       Net income for federal income tax purposes           $2,969,975     $2,782,263     $2,605,072
                                                            ==========     ==========     ==========


     A reconciliation of the Partnership's properties' aggregate cost for
     book and federal income tax purposes is as follows:


                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                               1996           1995           1994
                                                               ----           ----           ----
                                                                                    
      Aggregate cost, book purposes                        $33,353,075    $33,353,075    $33,353,075

      Add/(deduct):   Costs capitalized for federal income
                        tax purposes, cumulative               136,486         34,568         34,568
                      Book basis property write-downs,
                        cumulative                           1,431,400      1,431,400      1,431,400
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------
      Aggregate cost, federal income tax purposes          $34,920,961    $34,819,043    $34,819,043
                                                            ==========     ==========     ==========











                                   F-16

         JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                  (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

9.   Contingencies
     -------------
     In February 1996, a putative class action complaint was filed in the
     Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey by a single investor in a
     limited partnership affiliated with the Partnership.  The complaint
     named as defendants the Partnership, the General Partner, certain
     other Affiliates of the General Partner, and certain unnamed officers,
     directors, employees and agents of the named defendants.  The
     plaintiff sought unspecified damages stemming from alleged
     misrepresentations and omissions in the marketing and offering
     materials associated with the Partnership and two limited partnerships
     affiliated with the Partnership.  On March 18, 1997, the court
     certified a class of investors who were original purchasers in the
     Partnership.
     
     The Partnership provides indemnification to the General Partner and
     its Affiliates for acts or omissions of the General Partner in good
     faith on behalf of the Partnership, except for acts or omissions
     constituting fraud, negligence, misconduct or breach of fiduciary
     duty.  The General Partner believes that this indemnification applies
     to the class action complaint described above.  Accordingly, the
     Partnership has accrued $41,475 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
     which amount is included in the Statement of Operations and represents
     the Partnership's share of costs incurred by the General Partner and
     its Affiliates relating to the class action complaint.
     
     At  the present time, the General Partner can not estimate the impact,
     if  any,  of the potential indemnification claims on the Partnership's
     Financial Statements, taken as a whole.  Accordingly, no provision for
     any  liability which could result from the eventual outcome  of  these
     matters has been made in the accompanying financial statements.

10.  Subsequent Events
     -----------------
     On February 14, 1997, the Partnership made a cash distribution in the
     aggregate amount of $961,006, based on Distributable Cash from
     Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 less amounts
     previously distributed.  This amount was allocated 5%, or $48,050 to
     the General Partner and 95%, or $912,956 to the Limited Partners, in
     accordance with the Partnership Agreement.  Of the amount distributed
     to the Limited Partners, the Investors received $845,330 and the John
     Hancock Limited Partner received $67,626.  Such amounts represent a 7%
     annualized return on Limited Partners Invested Capital.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
                                   F-17





                         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

                            QOCC-1 ASSOCIATES

                            DECEMBER 31, 1996













































                                   F-18

                               QOCC-1

                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                         PAGE


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT                             F-20


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     BALANCE SHEET                                       F-21


     STATEMENT OF INCOME                                 F-22


     STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY                       F-23


     STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                             F-24
     

     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                       F-25































                                   F-19




                     INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


To the Partners
QOCC-1 Associates

        We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of QOCC-1 Associates
as  of  December 31, 1996, and the related statements of income,  partners'
equity  and cash flows for the year then ended.  These financial statements
are the responsibility of the partnership's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We  conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted
auditing  standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform  the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are  free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test
basis,  evidence  supporting the amounts and disclosures in  the  financial
statements.   An  audit  also includes assessing the accounting  principles
used  and  significant estimates made by management, as well as  evaluating
the  overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that  our  audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In  our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  QOCC-1
Associates  as of December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations  and
its  cash  flows  for  the  year then ended, in conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles.


                                  REZNICK FEDDER & SILVERMAN



Bethesda, Maryland
January 8, 1997


















                                   F-20


                          QOCC-1 Associates
                            BALANCE SHEET
                          December 31, 1996

                ASSETS
                                                                
RENTAL PROPERTY                                                 
Land                                                $  3,670,000
Land improvements                                         35,425
Building                                              11,461,343
Building improvements                                     63,136
                                                      -----------
                                                      15,229,904
Less accumulated depreciation                          2,924,959
                                                      -----------
                                                                
                                                      12,304,945
                                                      -----------
OTHER ASSETS                                                    
Cash and cash equivalents                                503,566
Prepaid taxes and insurance                               96,095
Prepaid leasing commissions                              302,122
Deferred rent                                          1,277,405
Leasing costs, less accumulated                                 
amortization
of $619,264                                            1,533,523
                                                      -----------
                                                       3,712,711
                                                      -----------
                                                    $ 16,017,656
                                                      ===========
   LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
                                                                
LIABILITIES                                                     
Accounts payable and accrued expenses               $     29,570
Prepaid rent and security deposit                        447,088
                                                      -----------
                                                         476,658
                                                                
COMMITMENT                                                     -
                                                                
PARTNERS= EQUITY                                      15,540,998
                                                      -----------
                                                    $ 16,017,656
                                                      ===========
                                                                




               See notes to financial statements

                              F-21


                       QOCC-1 Associates
                      STATEMENT OF INCOME
                  Year ended December 31, 1996


Revenue                                                       
Rental income - base                                $ 2,691,797
Rental income - escalations                             61,015
Interest income                                          1,900
                                                     ---------
Total revenue                                        2,754,712
                                                              
Expenses                                                      
Accounting                                $    8,100           
Advertising and promotion                     1,271           
Bad debts                                       576           
Commissions                                  86,320           
Depreciation and amortization               588,496           
Insurance                                     5,503           
Legal                                         1,371           
Management fees                              50,430           
Personnel services                           76,801           
Repairs and maintenance                     199,601           
Supplies                                      2,145           
Taxes                                       191,609           
Travel                                           21           
Utilities                                     8,287           
Total expenses                             ---------  1,220,531
                                                     ---------
NET INCOME                                          $ 1,534,181
                                                     =========
                                                              











               See notes to financial statements

                              F-22


                       QOCC-1 Associates
                 STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY
                  Year ended December 31, 1996


                          Equity at      Net       Distri-     Equity at
                           January     income      butions     December
                            1, 1996                            31, 1996
                           ---------    ---------      ---------     --------
JH Quince Orchard       $ 15,750,296 $ 1,403,992 $ (1,940,627) $ 15,213,661
Partners
                                                                            
Quad Properties, Inc.       361,521    130,189     (164,373)     327,337
                           ---------    ---------      ---------    ---------
                        $ 16,111,817 $ 1,534,181 $ (2,105,000) $ 15,540,998
                         ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========








               See notes to financial statements


                              F-23


                       QOCC-1 Associates
                    STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                  Year ended December 31, 1996


Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income                                          $    1,534,181
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net                        
  cash provided by operating activities
     Depreciation and amortization                           588,496
     Decrease in accounts receivable - other                   2,186
     Increase in prepaid taxes and insurance                 (1,418)
     Increase in accounts payable and accrued                 10,005
     expenses
     Decrease in prepaid leasing commissions                  86,320
     Increase in prepaid rent and security deposit               910
     Increase in deferred rent                              (99,671)
                                                            --------
          Net cash provided by operating activities        2,121,009
                                                            --------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Investment in rental property                             (30,514)
                                                            --------
          Net cash used in investing activities             (30,514)
                                                            --------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Distributions to partners                              (2,105,000)
                                                            --------
          Net cash used in financing activities          (2,105,000)
                                                            --------
          NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS         (14,505)
                                                                    
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning                         518,071
                                                            --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end                        $      503,566
                                                            ========










               See notes to financial statements

                              F-24


                       QOCC-1 Associates
                 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       December 31, 1996

NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
       POLICIES

 The  partnership  was  organized  on  December  27,  1988,  as  a  general
 partnership  under the laws of the State of Maryland for  the  purpose  of
 operating  an  office building with approximately 99,782 of  net  rentable
 square  feet  in  Gaithersburg, Maryland. The  building  was  acquired  in
 December  1988.  The  partnership conducts its rental operations  under  a
 lease agreement with one tenant.

 Use of Estimates
 ----------------
 The  preparation  of  financial statements in  conformity  with  generally
 accepted  accounting principles requires management to make estimates  and
 assumptions  that  affect the reported amounts of assets  and  liabilities
 and  disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the  date  of  the
 financial  statements  and the reported amounts of  revenue  and  expenses
 during  the  reporting  period. Actual results  could  differ  from  those
 estimates.

 Rental Property
 ---------------
 Rental  property  is  carried at cost.  Depreciation is  provided  for  in
 amounts  sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations
 over their estimated service lives by use of the straight-line method.

 Cash Equivalents
 ----------------
 For  purposes  of  the statement of cash flows, the partnership  considers
 all  highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less
 to be cash equivalents.

 Rental Income
 -------------
 Rental  income  is  recognized as rentals become due.   For  instances  in
 which  rent  concession periods are involved, rental income is  recognized
 using  the straight-line method over the term of the lease, which includes
 the  rent concession period.  The amount applicable to the rent concession
 is  recorded  as  a  deferred asset against which future  collections  are
 applied.   Rental payments received in advance are deferred until  earned.
 The  lease  between the partnership and the tenant of the property  is  an
 operating lease.







                              F-25


     QOCC-1 Associates
     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
     December 31, 1996

NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
       POLICIES (Continued)

  Income Taxes
  ------------
  No  provision  or  benefit for income taxes has been  included  in  these
  financial statements since taxable income or loss passes through to,  and
  is reportable by, the partners individually.

  Prepaid Leasing Commissions
  ---------------------------
  Prepaid leasing commissions are charged to operations using the straight-
  line method over 76 months.

  Leasing Costs
  -------------
  Leasing  costs  were  incurred to obtain a  new  tenant  for  the  office
  building  and  improve the rental space.  These costs are  being  written
  off using the straight-line method over the ten-year term of the lease.

NOTE B - RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASE

  The  partnership has leased the office building to a new tenant effective
  March  1994 under a ten-year term with a five-year renewal option at  the
  discretion of the lessee.  The tenant may terminate the lease  after  the
  76th calendar month of the term by notifying the landlord as outlined  in
  the  lease  agreement.  Rental income consists of  fixed  base  rent  and
  variable lease escalation reimbursements, calculated annually.

  Future   minimum  base  rental  payments  due  under  the   noncancelable
  operating lease are as follows:
                Year Ending                     
                December 31,                  Amount
                   ------------               ----------
                         1997       $     2,656,929
                         1998             2,723,352
                         1999             2,791,436
                         2000             2,861,222
                         2001             2,932,752
                         Thereafter       6,602,927
                                         ----------
                                    $    20,568,618
                                         ==========
                                                   





                              F-26


                       QOCC-1 Associates
           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       December 31, 1996

NOTE C - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

 During  1996,  the partnership incurred charges of approximately  $129,376
 for   management  fees,  personnel  services  and  supplies  provided   by
 affiliates of one of the partners.

NOTE D - COMMITMENT

 The  partnership has entered into a lease commission agreement with  Carey
 Winston.   The agreement provides for $546,696 of commissions to  be  paid
 for the first 76 months of the tenant's lease, which began March 1994.  If
 the  tenant does not exercise its option to terminate the lease after  the
 76th  month,  additional commissions in the amount  of  $376,198  for  the
 remaining 44 months of the tenant's lease will be due at that time.


NOTE E - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 The  partnership maintains its cash balances in two banks.   The  balances
 are  insured  by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to  $100,000
 by  each bank.  As of December 31, 1996, the uninsured portion of the cash
 balances held at the banks was $303,566.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             F-27







                         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

                            QOCC-1 ASSOCIATES

                            DECEMBER 31, 1995



























                                   F-28

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                            TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                                          PAGE


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT                             F-30


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:


     BALANCE SHEET                                       F-31


     STATEMENT OF INCOME                                 F-32


     STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY                       F-33


     STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                             F-34


     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                       F-35




























                                   F-29

                       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



To the Partners
QOCC-1 Associates

        We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of QOCC-1 Associates
as of December 31, 1995, and the related statements of income, partners'
equity and cash flows for the year then ended.  These financial statements
are the responsibility of the partnership's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of QOCC-1
Associates as of December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.



                                                 REZNICK FEDDER & SILVERMAN


Bethesda, Maryland
January 10, 1996





















                                   F-30

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                              BALANCE SHEET

                            December 31, 1995

                                  ASSETS

RENTAL PROPERTY
  Land                                                $3,670,000
  Land improvements                                       35,425
  Building                                            11,461,343
  Building improvements                                   32,622
                                                     -----------
                                                      15,199,390
  Less accumulated depreciation                        2,555,027
                                                     -----------
                                                      12,644,363
                                                     -----------

OTHER ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                              518,071
  Accounts receivable - other                              2,186
  Prepaid taxes and insurance                             94,677
  Prepaid leasing commissions                            388,442
  Deferred rent                                        1,177,734
  Leasing costs, less accumulated
    amortization of $400,701                           1,752,087
                                                     -----------
                                                       3,933,197
                                                     -----------
                                                     $16,577,560
                                                     ===========

                     LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                  $19,565
  Prepaid rent and security deposit                      446,178
                                                     -----------
                                                         465,743


COMMITMENT                                                     -

PARTNERS' EQUITY                                      16,111,817
                                                     -----------
                                                     $16,577,560
                                                     ===========






                    See notes to financial statements

                                   F-31

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                           STATEMENT OF INCOME

                       Year ended December 31, 1995




Revenue
  Rental income - base                                $2,691,797
  Rental income - escalations                             25,100
  Interest income                                          1,975
  Other revenue                                              279
                                                     -----------
          Total revenue                                2,719,151

Expenses
  Accounting                                $7,800
  Advertising and promotion                    441
  Commissions                              103,584
  Depreciation and amortization            553,531
  Insurance                                  5,392
  Management fees                           49,200
  Personnel services                        66,996
  Repairs and maintenance                  196,099
  Supplies                                   4,099
  Taxes                                    185,376
  Travel                                       506
  Utilities                                  7,436
                                       -----------
          Total expenses                               1,180,460
                                                     -----------
          NET INCOME                                  $1,538,691
                                                     ===========




















                    See notes to financial statements

                                   F-32

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                      STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

                       Year ended December 31, 1995




                                        Equity at                                   Equity at
                                         January          Net          Distri-       December
                                         1, 1995         Income        butions        31, 1995
                                         -------         ------        -------        --------
                                                                            
JH Quince
  Orchard Partners                     $15,829,964     $1,510,397   $(1,590,065)    $15,750,296

Quad
  Properties, Inc.                         373,162         28,294       (39,935)        361,521
                                       -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------
                                       $16,203,126     $1,538,691   $(1,630,000)    $16,111,817
                                       ===========     ==========    ===========    ===========

































                    See notes to financial statements

                                   F-33

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                         STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                       Year ended December 31, 1995





Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income                                                  $1,538,691
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by operating activities
    Depreciation and amortization                                553,531
    Decrease in accounts receivable - other                        1,546
    Increase in accounts receivable - rent concessions         (586,098)
    Increase in prepaid taxes and insurance                      (4,051)
    Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses              3,263
    Decrease in prepaid leasing commissions                      103,584
    Increase in prepaid rent and security deposit                 33,296
                                                              ----------
          Net cash provided by operating activities            1,643,762
                                                              ----------

Cash flows from financing activities
  Distributions to partners                                  (1,630,000)
                                                              ----------
          Net cash used in financing activities              (1,630,000)
                                                              ----------

          NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS               13,762

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning                             504,309
                                                              ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end                                  $518,071
                                                              ==========

















                    See notes to financial statements

                                   F-34

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                      NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                            December 31, 1995


NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
         POLICIES
  
  The partnership was organized on December 27, 1988 as a general
  partnership under the laws of the State of Maryland for the purpose of
  operating an office building with approximately 99,782 of net rentable
  square feet in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The building was acquired in
  December, 1988. The partnership conducts its rental operations under a
  lease agreement with one tenant.
  
  Use of Estimates
  ----------------
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
  and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
  financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
  during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
  estimates.
  
  Rental Property
  ---------------
                             Rental property is carried at cost.
  Depreciation is provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of
  depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives by
  use of the straight-line method.
  
  Cash Equivalents
  ----------------
  For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the partnership considers
  all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or
  less to be cash equivalents. The fair value of cash  equivalents
  approximates its carrying amount.
  
  Rental Income
  -------------
              Rental income is recognized as rentals become due.  For
  instances in which rent concession periods are involved, rental income
  is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease,
  which includes the rent concession period.  The amount applicable to the
  rent concession is recorded as a deferred asset against which future
  collections are applied.  Rental payments received in advance are
  deferred until earned.  The lease between the partnership and the tenant
  of the property is an operating lease.







                                   F-35

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                      NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                            December 31, 1995


NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
         POLICIES (Continued)
  
  Income Taxes
  ------------
  No provision or benefit for income taxes has been included in these
  financial statements since taxable income or loss passes through to, and
  is reportable by, the partners individually.
  
  Prepaid Leasing Commissions
  ---------------------------
  Prepaid leasing commissions are charged to operations using the straight-
  line method over seventy-six months.
  
  Leasing Costs
  -------------
  Leasing costs were incurred to obtain a new tenant for the office
  building and improve the rental space.  These costs are being written
  off using the straight-line method over the ten-year term of the lease.
  
NOTE B - RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASE
  
  The partnership has leased the office building to a new tenant effective
  March 1994 under a ten-year term with a five-year renewal option at the
  discretion of the lessee.  The tenant may terminate the lease after the
  76th calendar month of the term by notifying the landlord as outlined in
  the lease agreement.  Rental income consists of fixed base rent and
  variable lease escalation reimbursements, calculated annually.
  
  Future minimum base rental payments due under the noncancelable
  operating lease are as follows:
  
                  Year Ending
                  December 31,             Amount
                  ------------             ------

                      1996               $2,592,126
                      1997                2,656,929
                      1998                2,723,352
                      1999                2,791,436
                      2000                2,861,222
                      Thereafter          9,535,611
                                        -----------
                                        $23,160,745
                                        ===========





                                   F-36

                            QOCC-1 Associates

                      NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                            December 31, 1995


NOTE C - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
  
  During 1995, the partnership incurred charges of approximately $120,295
  for management fees, personnel services and reimbursable maintenance
  expenses provided by affiliates of one of the partners.
  
  
NOTE D - COMMITMENT
  
  The partnership has entered into a lease commission agreement with Carey
  Winston.  The agreement provides for $546,696 of commissions to be paid
  for the first 76 months of the tenant's lease, which began March 1994.
  If the tenant does not exercise its option to terminate the lease after
  the 76th month, additional commissions in the amount of $376,198 for the
  remaining 44 months of the tenant's lease will be due at that time.
  
  
NOTE E - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
  
  The partnership maintains its cash balances in two banks.  The balances
  are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000
  by each bank.  As of December 31, 1995, the uninsured portion of the
  cash balances held at the banks was $293,643.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                                  F-37
  







                    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

                       QOCC-1 ASSOCIATES

                       DECEMBER 31, 1994

























                                   F-38

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                       TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                                             PAGE


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT                             F-40


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     BALANCE SHEET                                       F-41


     STATEMENT OF INCOME                                 F-42


     STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY                       F-43


     STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                             F-44


     NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                       F-45



























                                   F-39

                  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



To the Partners
QOCC-1 Associates

        We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of QOCC-1 Associates
as of December 31, 1994, and the related statements of income, partners'
equity and cash flows for the year then ended.  These financial statements
are the responsibility of the partnership's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of QOCC-1
Associates as of December 31, 1994, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.



                                  REZNICK FEDDER & SILVERMAN


Bethesda, Maryland
January 4, 1995





















                              F-40

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                         BALANCE SHEET

                       December 31, 1994


                             ASSETS

RENTAL PROPERTY
  Land                                                $3,670,000
  Land improvements                                       35,425
  Building                                            11,461,343
  Building improvements                                   32,622
  Less accumulated depreciation                      (2,186,250)
                                                      ----------

                                                      13,013,140
                                                      ----------


OTHER ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                              504,309
  Accounts receivable - rent concessions                 591,636
  Accounts receivable - other                              3,732
  Prepaid taxes and insurance                             90,626
  Prepaid leasing commissions                            492,026
  Leasing costs, less accumulated
    amortization of $215,947                           1,936,839
                                                       ---------
                                                       3,619,168
                                                       ---------

                                                     $16,632,308
                                                      ==========

                LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses                  $16,300
  Prepaid rent and security deposit                      412,882
                                                      ----------
                                                         429,182

COMMITMENT                                                     -

PARTNERS' EQUITY                                      16,203,126
                                                      ----------

                                                     $16,632,308
                                                      ==========




               See notes to financial statements

                              F-41

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                      STATEMENT OF INCOME

                  Year ended December 31, 1994




Revenue
  Rental income - base                                $2,243,164
  Other revenue                                              778
                                                       ---------
          Total revenue                                2,243,942

Expenses
  Accounting                                $7,500
  Advertising and promotion                    353
  Amortization                             215,947
  Commissions                               54,670
  Depreciation                             370,855
  Insurance                                  8,217
  Management fees                           42,001
  Personnel services                        68,351
  Repairs and maintenance                  153,142
  Supplies                                   2,393
  Taxes                                    180,306
  Travel                                       362
  Utilities                                 39,983
                                           -------       
          Total expenses                               1,144,080
                                                       ---------
          NET INCOME                                  $1,099,862
                                                       =========





















               See notes to financial statements

                              F-42

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                 STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

                  Year ended December 31, 1994




                           Equity at                                                    Equity at
                            January           Net         Distri-         Contri-        December
                            1, 1994          Income       butions         butions        31, 1994
                            -------          ------       -------         --------       --------
                                                                            
JH Quince
  Orchard Partners        $13,563,142     $1,082,373   $(1,025,356)     $2,209,805    $15,829,964

Quad
  Properties, Inc.            265,122         17,489       (25,754)        116,305        373,162
                          -----------     ----------    -----------    -----------    -----------

                          $13,828,264     $1,099,862   $(1,051,110)     $2,326,110    $16,203,126
                          ===========     ==========   ============     ==========    ===========






























               See notes to financial statements

                              F-43

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                    STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                  Year ended December 31, 1994



Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income                                                     $1,099,862
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash used in operating activities
    Depreciation                                                    370,855
    Amortization                                                    215,947
    Decrease in accounts receivable - other                         335,585
    Increase in accounts receivable - rent concessions            (591,636)
    Increase in prepaid taxes and insurance                           (730)
    Increase in leasing costs                                   (1,596,791)
    Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses             (812,003)
    Increase in prepaid leasing commissions                       (218,678)
    Increase in prepaid rent and security deposit                   412,882
                                                                  ---------
          Net cash used in operating activities                   (784,707)
                                                                  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Building improvements                                            (29,784)
                                                                  ---------
          Net cash used in investing activities                    (29,784)
                                                                  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Distributions to partners                                     (1,051,110)
  Contributions from partners                                     2,326,110
  Repayments to affiliates                                          (5,576)
                                                                  ---------
          Net cash provided by financing activities               1,269,424
                                                                  ---------
          NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                 454,933

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning                                 49,376
                                                                  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end                                     $504,309
                                                                  =========













               See notes to financial statements

                              F-44

                       QOCC-1 Associates

                 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                       December 31, 1994


NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
         POLICIES

  The partnership was organized on December 27, 1988 as a general
  partnership under the laws of the State of Maryland for the purpose of
  operating an office building with approximately 99,782 of net rentable
  square feet in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The building was acquired in
  December, 1988.

  Rental Property
  ---------------
  Rental property is carried at cost.  Depreciation is provided for in
  amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations
  over their estimated service lives by use of the straight-line method.

  Cash Equivalents
  ----------------
  For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the partnership considers
  all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less
  to be cash equivalents.

  Rental Income
  -------------
  Rental income is recognized as rentals become due.  For instances in
  which rent concession periods are involved, rental income is recognized
  using the straight-line method over the term of the lease, which includes
  the rent concession period.  The amount applicable to the rent concession
  is accrued as an account receivable against which future collections are
  applied.  Rental payments received in advance are deferred until earned.
  The lease between the partnership and the tenant of the property is an
  operating lease.

  Income Taxes
  ------------
  No provision or benefit for income taxes has been included in these
  financial statements since taxable income or loss passes through to, and
  is reportable by, the partners individually.

  Prepaid Leasing Commissions
  ---------------------------
  Prepaid leasing commissions are charged to operations using the straight-
  line method over the ten year term of the lease.








                              F-45

                       QOCC-1 Associates

           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

                       December 31, 1994


NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
         POLICIES (Continued)

  Leasing Costs
  -------------
  Leasing costs were incurred to obtain a new tenant for the office
  building.  The tenant has executed a lease beginning March, 1994.  These
  costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the ten year term
  of the lease.


NOTE B - RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASE

  The partnership has leased the office building to a new tenant effective
  March 1994 under a ten-year term with a five-year renewal option at the
  discretion of the lessee.  The tenant may terminate the lease after the
  76th calendar month of the term by notifying the landlord as outlined in
  the lease agreement.  Rental income consists of fixed base rent and
  variable lease escalation reimbursements, calculated annually.

  Future minimum base rental payments due under the noncancelable operating
  lease are as follows:

                  Year Ending
                  December 31,                Amount
                  ------------             ---------
                      1995                   $2,105,699
                      1996                    2,592,126
                      1997                    2,656,929
                      1998                    2,723,352
                      1999                    2,791,436
                      Thereafter             12,396,902
                                             ----------
                                            $25,266,444
                                             ==========

NOTE C - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

  During 1994, the partnership incurred charges of approximately $112,745
  for management fees, personnel services and reimbursable maintenance
  expenses provided by affiliates of one of the partners.









                              F-46

                       QOCC-1 Associates

           NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

                       December 31, 1994


NOTE D - COMMITMENT

  The partnership has entered into a lease commission agreement with Carey
  Winston.  The agreement provides for $546,696 of commissions to be paid
  for the first 76 months of the tenant's lease, which began March 1994.
  Of this amount, during 1994 the partnership paid the remaining balance
  due of $273,348 upon commencement of the lease.  If the tenant does not
  exercise its option to terminate the lease after the 76th month,
  additional commissions in the amount of $376,198 for the remaining 44
  months of the tenant's lease will be due at that time.


NOTE E - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

  The partnership maintains its cash balances in two banks.  The balances
  are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000
  by each bank.  As of December 31, 1994, the uninsured portion of the cash
  balances held at the banks was $304,309.































                                   F-47



                                   JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                            (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                                                         SCHEDULE III

                                           REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                                                 Year Ended December 31, 1996


                                                                    Costs
                                                                 Capitalized
                                       Initial Costs to         Subsequent to                   Gross Amount
                                         Partnership             Acquisition        At Which Carried at Close of Period
                                    ---------------------- -----------------------  -----------------------------------
                                               Buildings                                         Buildings
                                                  and                                               and
Description           Encumbrances    Land    Improvements ImprovementsWrite-down (1)    Land   Improvements  Total (2)
- -----------           ------------    ----    ------------ --------------------------    ----   ------------  ---------
                                                                                         
Palms of Carrollwood
  Shopping Center
Tampa, FL                     -  $6,000,000    $6,359,816     $2,162   ($1,431,400)  $5,305,135  $5,625,443  $10,930,578

Yokohama Tire Warehouse
Louisville, KY                -     742,000     8,610,221          -              -     742,000   8,610,221    9,352,221

Purina Mills Distribution
  Building
St. Louis, MI                 -     570,400     3,633,006          -              -     570,400   3,633,006    4,203,406

Allmetal Distribution Building
Carrollton, TX                -     263,000     1,373,050          -              -     263,000   1,373,050    1,636,050

Stone Container Building
Cincinnati, OH                -     480,000     1,608,804          -              -     480,000   1,608,804    2,088,804

Business Center at Pureland
Bridgeport, NJ                -   1,050,000     4,092,016          -              -   1,050,000   4,092,016    5,142,016
                             --  ----------   -----------    -------     ----------  ---------- -----------  -----------
                              -  $9,105,400   $25,676,913     $2,162   ($1,431,400)  $8,410,535 $24,942,540  $33,353,075
                             ==  ==========   ===========    =======     ==========  ========== ===========  ===========


                                                          F-48



                                   JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                            (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                                                   SCHEDULE III (Continued)

                                           REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                                                 Year Ended December 31, 1996


                                                                                   Life on Which
                                                                                  Depreciation in
                                                                                  Latest Statement
                                  Accumulated           Date of       Date         of Operations
   Description                  Depreciation (5)      Construction  Acquired        is Computed
   -----------                  ----------------      ------------  --------        -----------
                                                                            
Palms of Carrollwood
  Shopping Center
Tampa, FL                        $1,353,108               1984     12/28/89             30 Years

Yokohama Tire Warehouse
Louisville, KY                    1,566,583               1991      7/17/91             30 Years

Purina Mills Distribution
  Building
St. Louis, MI                       605,501               1991     12/27/91             30 Years

Allmetal Distribution Building
Carrollton, TX                      221,214               1987       3/6/92             30 Years

Stone Container Building
Cincinnati, OH                      254,727               1991      3/16/92             30 Years

Business Center at Pureland
Bridgeport, NJ                      647,903               1989      3/27/92             30 Years
                                 ----------
                                 $4,649,036
                                 ==========

(1)    This write-down of carrying value represents an impairment in the value of the property
       based upon the General Partner's estimate.
       For further discussion relating to the determination of property write-downs, please see
       "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition" included in Item 7 of this
       Report.


                                                         F-49



                                     JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                              (A Massachusetts Limited Partnership)

                                                     SCHEDULE III (continued)

                                             REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                                                   Year Ended December 31, 1996

 (2)   The Partnership's properties' aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes at December 31,
       1996 are as follows:

     Property                                            Amount
     Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center             $12,477,704
     Yokohama Tire Warehouse                            9,352,221
     Purina Mills Distribution Building                 4,203,406
     Allmetal Distribution Building                     1,636,050
     Stone Container                                    2,088,804
     Business Center at Pureland                        5,162,776
                                                      -----------
                                                      $34,920,961
                                                      ===========

     The Partnership's aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes may differ from the aggregate
     cost for Financial Statement purposes.
     The tax basis excludes property write-downs which were recognized for Financial Statement
     purposes.

(3)  Reconciliation of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation:

                                                          Years Ended December 31,
                                                  1996              1995              1994
                                                  ----              ----              ----
                                                                             
          Investment in Real Estate

          Balance at beginning of year        $33,353,075       $33,353,075       $33,353,075
            Other acquisitions                          -                 -                 -
            Adjustment to purchase price                -                 -                 -
                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
          Balance at end of year              $33,353,075       $33,353,075       $33,353,075
                                              ===========       ===========       ===========

            Accumulated Depreciation

          Balance at beginning of year         $3,819,371        $2,989,706        $2,160,041
            Additions charged to costs
              and expenses                        829,665           829,665           829,665
                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
          Balance at end of year               $4,649,036        $3,819,371        $2,989,706
                                              ===========       ===========       ===========

                                                          F-50