1


                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED                June 30, 1998
                               -------------------------------------------------

                                       OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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 
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                              IDENTIFICATION NO.)


                     200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                   (ZIP CODE)


                                 (800) 722-5457
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:


                                       N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF CHANGED SINCE
                                  LAST REPORT)


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 FILING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS.
                                                   
                           Yes  [X]     No  [ ]







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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                                      INDEX


PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE

         Item 1 - Financial Statements:

                  Balance Sheets at June 30, 1998 and
                  December 31, 1997                                           3

                  Statements of Operations for the Three and Six
                  Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997                         4

                  Statements of Partners' Equity for the Six Months
                  Ended June 30, 1998 and for the Year Ended
                  December 31, 1997                                           5

                  Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended
                  June 30, 1998 and 1997                                      6

                  Notes to Financial Statements                            7-12

         Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations           13-17


PART II: OTHER INFORMATION                                                   18




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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                          PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                          ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                     ASSETS



                                                         JUNE 30,          DECEMBER 31,
                                                          1998                1997
                                                       -----------         -----------
                                                                             

Cash and cash equivalents                              $ 3,022,117         $ 2,505,729
Restricted cash                                            111,639             110,056
Other assets                                               270,750             287,958

Investment in joint venture                              7,196,540           7,349,298

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                      5,893,531           5,478,701
                                                       -----------         -----------
                                                        27,459,544          27,874,374
Deferred expenses, net of accumulated
     amortization of $1,557,233 in 1998
     and $1,373,339 in 1997                              1,302,054           1,467,784
                                                       -----------         -----------

         Total assets                                  $39,362,644         $39,595,199
                                                       ===========         ===========


                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

Liabilities:
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses             $   429,091         $   212,129
     Accounts payable to affiliates                        249,372             131,445
                                                       -----------         -----------

         Total liabilities                                 678,463             343,574

Partners' equity/(deficit):
     General partner's                                     (53,539)            (52,449)
     Limited partners'                                  38,737,720          39,304,074
                                                       -----------         -----------

         Total partners' equity                         38,684,181          39,251,625
                                                       -----------         -----------

         Total liabilities and partners' equity        $39,362,644         $39,595,199
                                                       ===========         ===========






                        See Notes to Financial Statements


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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (UNAUDITED)




                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                         JUNE 30,                        JUNE 30,
                                                -------------------------        -------------------------  
                                                   1998          1997              1998            1997
                                                ----------     ----------        ----------     ----------
                                                                                           

Income:

     Rental income                              $  916,053     $  894,526        $1,823,588     $1,801,768
     Income from joint venture                     200,849        186,172           391,971        374,709
     Interest income                                35,524         36,214            68,418         68,407
                                                ----------     ----------        ----------     ----------
         Total income                            1,152,426      1,116,912         2,283,977      2,244,884

Expenses:

     Depreciation                                  207,416        207,416           414,832        414,832
     General and administrative expenses           161,005         67,992           217,224        185,346
     Amortization of deferred expenses              96,438         91,477           183,894        181,991
     Property operating expenses                    53,683         50,069           113,459        112,835
                                                ----------     ----------        ----------     ----------

         Total expenses                            518,542        416,954           929,409        895,004
                                                ----------     ----------        ----------     ----------

         Net income                             $  633,884     $  699,958        $1,354,568     $1,349,880
                                                ==========     ==========        ==========     ==========

Allocation of net income:

     General Partner                            $   46,057     $   48,659        $   95,010     $   94,699
     John Hancock Limited Partner                   69,874         73,291           143,317        142,853
     Investors                                     517,953        578,008         1,116,241      1,112,328
                                                ----------     ----------        ----------     ----------
                                                $  633,884     $  699,958        $1,354,568     $1,349,880
                                                ==========     ==========        ==========     ==========

Net Income per Unit                             $     0.21     $     0.24        $     0.46     $     0.46
                                                ==========     ==========        ==========     ==========















                        See Notes to Financial Statements


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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)



                         STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' EQUITY
                                   (UNAUDITED)

                       SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997




                                                        GENERAL         LIMITED
                                                        PARTNER         PARTNERS            TOTAL
                                                       ---------       -----------       -----------
                                                                                        

Partners' equity/(deficit) at January 1, 1997
     (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                     $ (43,423)      $40,559,468       $40,516,045

Less: Cash distributions                                (192,201)       (3,651,826)       (3,844,027)

Add: Net income                                          183,175         2,396,432         2,579,607
                                                       ---------       -----------       -----------

Partners' equity/(deficit) at December 31, 1997
     (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                       (52,449)       39,304,074        39,251,625

Less: Cash distributions                                 (96,100)       (1,825,912)       (1,922,012)

Add: Net income                                           95,010         1,259,558         1,354,568
                                                       ---------       -----------       -----------

Partners' equity/(deficit) at June 30, 1998
     (2,415,234 Units outstanding)                     $ (53,539)      $38,737,720       $38,684,181
                                                       =========       ===========       ===========















                        See Notes to Financial Statements


                                       5
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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)



                                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                           JUNE 30,
                                                                  1998                 1997
                                                               -----------         -----------
                                                                                     

Operating activities:
     Net income                                                $ 1,354,568         $ 1,349,880

     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:

         Depreciation                                              414,832             414,832
         Amortization of deferred expenses                         183,894             181,991
         Cash distributions over equity
              in income from joint venture                         152,758              65,166
                                                               -----------         -----------
                                                                 2,106,052           2,011,869

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
         Increase in restricted cash                                (1,583)             (5,697)
         Decrease/(increase) in other assets                        17,208             (74,128)
         Decrease/(increase) in accounts payable and
           accrued expenses                                        216,962              46,114
         Increase in accounts payable to affiliates                117,927              27,281
                                                               -----------         -----------
              Net cash provided by operating activities          2,456,566           2,005,439

Investing activities:
       Acquisition of deferred expenses                            (18,166)            (34,532)
                                                               -----------         -----------
              Net cash used in investing activities                (18,166)            (34,532)

Financing activities:
     Cash distributed to Partners                               (1,922,012)         (1,922,013)
                                                               -----------         -----------
              Net cash used in financing activities             (1,922,012)         (1,922,013)
                                                               -----------         -----------

              Net increase in cash and cash equivalents            516,388              48,894

              Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
                of year                                          2,505,729           2,663,859
                                                               -----------         -----------

              Cash and cash equivalents at end
                of period                                      $ 3,022,117         $ 2,712,753
                                                               ===========         ===========










                        See Notes to Financial Statements


                                       6

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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


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 June 30, 1998, 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 2,411 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.

2.       SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
         financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule
         10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
         information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
         principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
         management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
         considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
         Operating results for the six month period ended June 30, 1998 are not
         necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
         ending December 31, 1998. For further information, refer to the
         financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the
         Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1997.

         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.

         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.





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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


2.       SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

         The Partnership measures impairment in value in accordance with
         Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121, "Accounting for
         the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" ("Statement
         121"). Statement 121 requires impairment losses to be recorded on
         long-lived assets used in operations where indicators of impairment are
         present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by
         those assets are less than the assets' carrying amounts.

         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 amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of thirty-one
         and a half years. Other deferred acquisition fees are amortized on a
         straight-line basis over a period of eighty-four months. Capitalized
         tenant improvements and lease commissions are 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 six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
         is calculated by dividing the Investors' share of net income by the
         number of Units outstanding at the end of such periods.


3.       THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

         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.

         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.





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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


3.       THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CONTINUED)

         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.

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 six months ended June 30, 1998 and
         1997, and to which the General Partner or its Affiliates are entitled
         to reimbursement from the Partnership were $69,361 and $155,959,
         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,
         included in the Statement of Operations for the six months ended June
         30, 1998 and 1997 are $39,896 and $38,173, respectively, representing
         the Partnership's share of costs incurred by the General Partner and
         its Affiliates relating to the class action complaint. Through June 30,
         1998, the Partnership has accrued a total of $135,463 as its share of
         the costs incurred by the General Partner and its Affiliates resulting
         from this matter.

         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:



                                                            June 30, 1998         December 31, 1997
                                                            -------------         -----------------
                                                                                        

              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
                                                             ===========              ===========







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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)



                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


5.       INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY (CONTINUED)

         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.

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 March 31, 1998, 97.55% has been contributed by the
         Affiliated Joint Venture. The Affiliated Joint Venture continues to
         hold a 75% interest in QOCC-1 Associates.

         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.
         Prior to 1996, QOCC-1 Associates had not provided the partners with a
         return in excess of 9% on their invested capital. During 1997 and 1996,
         the partners received returns on invested capital of approximately 12%.

         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.




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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


7.       DEFERRED EXPENSES

         Deferred expenses consist of the following:



                                                              Unamortized        Unamortized
                                                              Balance At         Balance At
         Description                                         June 30, 1998    December 31, 1997
         -----------                                         -------------    -----------------
                                                                            

         $152,880 of acquisition fees for
         investment in the Affiliated Joint
         Venture. This amount is amortized
         over a period of 31.5 years.                         $  106,976         $  109,402

         $1,119,446 of tenant improvements. These
         amounts are amortized over the terms
         of the leases to which they relate.                     709,072            775,877

         $501,837 of lease commissions. These
         amounts are amortized over the terms
         of the leases to which they relate.                     370,976            390,787

         $1,073,621 of acquisition fees paid to the
         General Partner. This amount is amortized
         over a period of eighty-four months.                    115,030            191,718
                                                              ----------         ----------
                                                              $1,302,054         $1,467,784
                                                              ==========         ==========



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:



                                                                           Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                                           -------------------------
                                                                              1998           1997
                                                                           ----------     ----------
                                                                                           

              Net income per Statements of Operations                      $1,354,568     $1,349,880

              Add/(less):      Excess of book depreciation                     
                                  over tax depreciation                        69,596         69,728
                               Excess of book amortization
                                  over tax amortization                        93,092         94,460
                               Other income                                     7,694         (8,504)
                                                                           ----------     ----------

              Net income for federal income tax purposes                   $1,524,950     $1,505,564
                                                                           ==========     ==========





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             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


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.

         The Partnership has incurred an aggregate of approximately $338,000 in
         legal expenses in connection with this matter. Of this amount,
         approximately $203,000 relates to the Partnership's own defense and
         approximately $135,000 relates to indemnification of the General
         Partner and its affiliates for their defense. These expenses are funded
         from the operations of the Partnership.

         At the present time, the General Partner can not estimate the aggregate
         amount of legal expenses and indemnification claims to be incurred and
         their impact 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.






                                       12
   13
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)



ITEM 2: 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 Notes 5 and
6 to the Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Report.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

The General Partner and John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, the General
Partner's ultimate parent (together, "John Hancock") along with the Partnership,
have developed a plan to modify or replace significant portions of the
Partnership's computer information and automated technologies so that its
systems will function properly with respect to the dates in the year 2000 and
thereafter. The Partnership presently believes that with modifications to
existing systems and conversions to new technologies, the year 2000 will not
pose significant operational problems for its computer systems. However, if
certain modifications and conversions are not made, or are not completed timely,
the year 2000 issue could have an adverse impact on the operations of the
Partnership.

John Hancock as early as 1994 had begun assessing, modifying and converting the
software related to its significant systems and has initiated formal
communications with its significant business partners and customers to determine
the extent to which John Hancock's interface systems are vulnerable to those
third parties' failure to remediate their own year 2000 issues. While John
Hancock is developing alternative third party processing arrangements as it
deems appropriate, there is no guarantee that the systems of other companies on
which the Partnership's systems rely will be converted timely or will not have
an adverse effect on the Partnership's systems.

The Partnership expects the project to be substantially complete by early 1999.
This completion target was derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future
events, including availability of certain resources and other factors. However,
there can be no guarantee that this completion target will be achieved.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, certain statements contained herein
contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements appear in a number of places in this
Report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or expectations of
the General Partner with respect to, among other things, the prospective sale of
Partnership properties, repayment of mortgage loans, actions that would be taken
in the event of lack of liquidity, unanticipated leasing costs, repair and
maintenance expenses, distributions to the General Partner and to Investors, the
possible effects of tenants vacating space at Partnership properties, the
absorption of existing retail space in certain geographical areas, and the
impact of inflation.

Forward-looking statements involve numerous known and unknown risks and
uncertainties, and they are not guarantees of future performance. The following
factors, among others, could cause actual results or performance of the
Partnership and future events to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in the forward-looking statements: general economic and business
conditions; any and all general risks of real estate ownership, including
without limitation adverse changes in general economic conditions and adverse
local conditions, the fluctuation of rental income from properties, changes in
property taxes, utility costs or maintenance costs and insurance, fluctuations
of real estate values, competition for tenants, uncertainties about whether real
estate sales under contract will close; the ability of the Partnership to sell
its properties; and other factors detailed from time to time in the filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements,
which reflect the General Partner's analysis only as of the date hereof. The
Partnership assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. See also
the Partnership's reports to be filed from time to time with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.





                                       13
   14
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At June 30, 1998, the Partnership had $3,022,117 in cash and cash equivalents
and $111,639 in restricted cash.

The Partnership has a working capital reserve with a current balance of
approximately 3.6% of the offering proceeds. The General Partner anticipates
that such amount will be sufficient to satisfy the Partnership's general
liquidity requirements. The Partnership's liquidity would, however, be
materially adversely affected if there were a significant reduction in revenues
or significant unanticipated operating costs (including but not limited to
litigation expenses), 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 the six months ended June 30, 1998, cash from working capital reserves in
the aggregate amount of $18,166 was used for the payment of leasing costs
incurred at the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center ("Palms of Carrollwood")
property. The General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will incur an
aggregate of approximately $273,000 of additional leasing costs during the
remainder of 1998, substantially all of which would be incurred at Palms of
Carrollwood. The General Partner anticipates that the current balance in the
working capital reserve should be sufficient to pay such leasing costs.

During the six months ended June 30, 1998, approximately $19,000 of cash
generated from the Partnership's operations was used to fund non-recurring
maintenance and repair expenses incurred at Palms of Carrollwood and Business
Center at Pureland properties. The General Partner anticipates that the
Partnership will incur additional non-recurring repair and maintenance expenses
of approximately $169,000 at its properties during the remainder of 1998. These
additional 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 $1,922,012, generated from the Partnership's operations,
was distributed to the General Partner, the John Hancock Limited Partner and the
Investors during the six months ended June 30, 1998. These amounts were
distributed in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and were allocated as
follows:


                                                                      

Investors                                                         $1,690,660
John Hancock Limited Partner                                         135,252
General Partner                                                       96,100
                                                                  ----------
         Total                                                    $1,922,012




The Partnership has incurred approximately $338,000 in legal expenses in
connection with the class action lawsuit (see Part II, Item 1 of this Report).
Of this amount, approximately $203,000 relates to the Partnership's own defense
and approximately $135,000 relates to indemnification of the General Partner and
its Affiliates for their defense. These expenses are funded from the operations
of the Partnership. At the present time, the General Partner cannot estimate the
aggregate amount of legal expenses and indemnification claims to be incurred and
their impact on the Partnership's future operations. Liquidity would, however,
be materially adversely affected by a significant increase in such legal
expenses and related indemnification costs. If such increases were to occur, to
the extent that cash from operations and 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 properties.




                                       14
   15
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

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. One current
tenant's lease at the property contains a clause that makes reference to the
situation in which the former anchor tenant ceases operations at the property.
As a result of this clause, the tenant reduced its rental payments by 25% during
November 1995. The Partnership brought an action against this tenant to obtain
collection of 100% of the amounts due under the lease agreement. The tenant
claimed that it had the right to pay the reduced rent for the remainder of the
lease term until November 2004. During the first quarter of 1998, this action
was heard in a Florida court. The court held in favor of the Partnership, ruling
that the tenant had only a limited period of time (approximately six months)
that it could pay the reduced rent. After that, the tenant must pay the full
amount of rent specified in the lease. A judgment and written ruling were issued
during the second quarter of 1998. The tenant has taken steps to appeal the
ruling. No assurances can be given that the Partnership will ultimately recover
amounts due under the lease pursuant to the ruling of the court.

At June 30, 1998, Palms of Carrollwood was 81% occupied. During the remainder of
1998, no significant leases are scheduled to expire. The General Partner will
continue to offer competitive leasing packages in an effort to improve the
property's occupancy.

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, 2008
   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



During the first quarter of 1998, Purina Mills, Inc., ("PMI") the lessee at the
Purina Mills Distribution Building, notified the Partnership of its intention to
exercise its option to terminate the lease on December 1, 1998, in accordance
with the terms of its lease agreement. PMI will be required to pay a lease
termination fee in the approximate amount of $241,000. PMI had previously
vacated the property and secured a tenant to sublease the space. The General
Partner will attempt to secure a lease with the current subtenant as well as
seek a replacement tenant for the building.

One of the tenants at the Business Center at Pureland, National Polystyrene
Recycling Co., L.P., ("NPRC") ceased operations and vacated its space during the
fourth quarter of 1997. NPRC is seeking to sublet this space. The Partnership
continues to receive all rental payments due under the lease. The General
Partner does not currently believe that there will be a materially adverse
affect on the Partnership's liquidity resulting from NPRC vacating the property.
The other tenant at the Business Center at Pureland, Forbo Wallcoverings, Inc.
("Forbo"), has a lease that expires on December 31, 1998. Forbo has indicated
that it does not intend to renew its lease upon its expiration. Accordingly, the
General Partner is seeking a replacement tenant for this space.

The Quince Orchard Corporate Center is 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 its seventy-sixth month of the lease, or June 2000, and, two, to
extend the term of the lease for an additional five-year period. During the
first quarter of 1998, Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc. received approval from the Federal
Trade Commission to acquire Boehringer Mannheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As a
result, Hoffman-LaRoche has informed the General Partner that it intends to
terminate operations at the Quince Orchard Corporate Center and to exercise its
right to terminate the lease in June 2000.






                                       15
   16
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

Real estate conditions in the Washington D.C. area for office space similar to
the Quince Orchard Corporate Center have improved recently. The supply of such
office space has been unable to keep pace with the demand, resulting in a slight
increase in market rents. Although this condition gives rise to new real estate
development in the area, the General Partner does not anticipate that this new
development will negatively impact the market and believes market conditions are
likely to remain favorable through 1998.

During the third quarter of 1997, Allmetal, Inc., the sole tenant at the
Allmetal Distribution Building, extended the term of its lease through August
2008. As a result of this lease extension and the current favorable conditions
of the Carrollton, Texas real estate market, the Allmetal Distribution Building
was listed for sale by the General Partner during June, 1998.

During June 1998, the General Partner listed the Stone Container Building for
sale because of the long-term lease with the sole tenant at the property and
current favorable conditions in the Cincinnati real estate market.

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 1998.

The General Partner evaluated the carrying value of each of the Partnership's
properties and its investment in the Affiliated Joint Venture as of December 31,
1997 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 permanent impairment in value existed. Based upon such
evaluations, the General Partner determined that no permanent impairment in
values existed and, therefore, no write-downs were recorded as of December 31,
1997.

The General Partner will continue to conduct property valuations, using internal
or independent appraisals, in order to determine whether a permanent impairment
in value exists on any of the Partnership's properties.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 1998 was $1,354,568, as compared to
net income of $1,349,880 for the same period in 1997.

Average occupancy for the Partnership's investments was as follows:



                                                                       Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                                       ------------------------    
                                                                       1998                1997
                                                                       ----                ----
                                                                                     

     Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center                               81%                 79%
     Quince Orchard Corporate Center (Affiliated Joint Venture)        100%                100%
     Yokohama Tire Warehouse                                           100%                100%
     Purina Mills Distribution Building                                100%                100%
     Allmetal Distribution Building                                    100%                100%
     Stone Container Building                                          100%                100%
     Business Center at Pureland                                       100%                100%



General and administrative expenses for the period ended June 30, 1998 increased
by $31,878 or 17%, primarily due to an increase in legal fees incurred by the
Partnership in connection with the class action complaint (see Part II, Item 1
of this Report). Excluding such legal fees, general and administrative expenses
were consistent between periods.

The General Partner believes that inflation has had no significant impact on the
Partnership's income from operations during the six months ended June 30, 1998,
and the General Partner anticipates that it will not have a significant impact
during the remainder of 1998.




                                       16
   17
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


ITEM 2: 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:



                                                           Six Months Ended March 31,
                                                        ------------------------------
                                                           1998                1997
                                                        -----------         ----------
                                                                             

      Net cash provided by operating
          activities (a)                                $ 2,456,566         $2,005,439
      Net change in operating assets
          and liabilities (a)                               350,514              6,430
                                                        -----------         ----------
      Net cash provided by operations (a)                 2,106,052          2,011,869
      Increase in working capital reserves                 (184,038)           (89,855)
                                                        -----------         ----------
      Cash from operations (b)                           (1,922,014)         1,922,014
      Decrease in working capital reserves                       --                 --
                                                        -----------         ----------
      Distributable cash from operations (b)            $ 1,922,014         $1,922,014
                                                        ===========         ==========

      Allocation to General Partner                     $    96,101         $   96,101
      Allocation to John Hancock Limited Partner            135,253            135,253
      Allocation to Investors                             1,690,660          1,690,660
                                                        -----------         ----------
                                                        $ 1,922,014         $1,922,014
                                                        ===========         ==========



     (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 1 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.

During the third quarter of 1998, the Partnership will make a cash distribution
in the amount of $961,007 to the General Partner and Limited Partners. This
amount is allocated 5% to the General Partner and 95% to the Limited Partners,
in accordance with the Partnership Agreement. Of the amount to be distributed to
the Limited Partners, the Investors will receive $845,330 and the John Hancock
Limited Partner will receive $67,626. Such amounts represent a 7% annualized
return on Limited Partners' Invested Capital.

The source of future cash distributions is dependent upon cash generated by the
Partnership's properties and the use of working capital reserves. The General
Partner currently anticipates that the Partnership's Distributable Cash from
Operations during each of the two remaining quarters of 1998 will be comparable
to that generated during the first two quarters of 1998.





                                       17
   18
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)


                           PART II: OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  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 intends 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.

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES

         There were no changes in securities during the second quarter of 1998.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

         There were no defaults upon senior securities during the second quarter
         of 1998.

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 second quarter of 1998.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)      There are no exhibits to this report.

         (b)      There were no Reports on Form 8-K filed during the second
                  quarter of 1998.




                                       18
   19
             JOHN HANCOCK REALTY INCOME FUND-III LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                      (A MASSACHUSETTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)




                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements 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 14th day of August, 1998.


                                   John Hancock Realty Income Fund-III
                                   Limited Partnership


                                   By:  John Hancock Realty Equities, Inc.,
                                        General Partner



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



                                   By:
                                       ---------------------------------------- 
                                       Richard E. Frank, Treasurer
                                       (Chief Accounting Officer)







                                       19