Document:

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EXHIBIT 4-2

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        ________________________________________________________________

                              DEMAND LOAN AGREEMENT

                                   dated as of

                                  May 29, 2002

                                     between

                        NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION

                                       and

                         CITIZENS BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS

        ________________________________________________________________

        ________________________________________________________________
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                              DEMAND LOAN AGREEMENT

         DEMAND LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of May 29, 2002 between NEW JERSEY
RESOURCES CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation ("Borrower"), and CITIZENS BANK
OF MASSACHUSETTS ("Bank").

                        SECTION 1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.

         (a) As used herein the following terms have the meanings set forth
below:

         "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" means, with respect to any LIBOR Borrowing for
any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary,
to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period
multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

         "Affiliate" means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person
that Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person
specified. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual shall be an Affiliate
solely by reason of his or her being a director, officer or employee of
Borrower.

         "Approved Fund" means, with respect to Bank, any fund that invests in
commercial loans and is managed or advised by Bank or by an Affiliate of Bank.

           "Base Rate", when used in reference to any Demand Loan or Borrowing
refers to whether such Demand Loan, or the Demand Loans comprising such
Borrowing, is or are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the
Prime Rate.

         "Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of
the United States.

         "Borrowing" means Demand Loans of the same Type made, converted or
continued on the same date, and in the case of LIBOR Demand Loans, as to which a
single Interest Period is in effect.

         "Business Day" means, in respect of any date that is specified in this
Agreement to be a day on which commercial banks settle payments in (a) Boston or
London, if the payment obligation is calculated by reference to any LIBOR Rate,
or (b) Boston, if the payment obligation is calculated by reference to the Prime
Rate.

         "Change in Law" means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation
after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation
or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority
after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by Bank (or Bank's holding
company) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the
force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of
this Agreement.

         "Control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise
voting power, by contract or otherwise. "Controlling" and "Controlled" have
meanings correlative thereto.

         "Default" means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of
Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or
waived, become an Event of Default.

         "Demand Loan" and "Demand Loans" have the meanings set forth in Section
2(a) hereof.
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         "Demand Loan Commitment" means the agreement of Bank to make Demand
Loans to Borrower in a maximum aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000, as the
same may be reduced from time to time in accordance with Section 2(e) hereof.

         "Demand Note" means the promissory note of Borrower payable to the
order of Bank in the principal amount of $10,000,000 substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto.

         "Effective Date" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3
hereof.

         "Environmental Laws" means all applicable laws, rules, regulations,
codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding
agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority,
relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural
resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous
Material or to health and safety matters.

         "Environmental Liability" means any liability, contingent or otherwise
(including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines,
penalties or indemnities), of Borrower directly or indirectly resulting from or
based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use,
handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous
Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or
threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any
contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability
is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

         "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) that, together with Borrower, is treated as a single employer
within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any liability related to a
Multiemployer Plan under Title IV of ERISA, the term "ERISA Affiliate" means any
trade or business that together with Borrower is treated as a single employer
within the meaning of Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

         "ERISA Event" means (a) any "reportable event", as defined in Section
4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to any Pension
Plan, (b) the existence with respect to any Pension Plan of an "accumulated
funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA), whether or not waived, (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the
Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum
funding standard with respect to any Pension Plan, (d) the incurrence by
Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA
with respect to the termination of any Pension Plan, (e) the receipt by Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice
relating to an intention to terminate any Pension Plan or Pension Plans or to
appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Plan or (f) the receipt by Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan
from Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice of Withdrawal Liability or a
determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or
in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

         "Event of Default" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8
hereof.

         "Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to Bank or any other recipient of
any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder,
(a) income, net worth or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net
income or net worth by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction
under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal
office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of
America or any similar tax imposed by any

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other jurisdiction in which Borrower is located and (c) any amounts constituting
penalties and interest imposed with respect to the foregoing.

         "Existing Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of
January 5, 2001 by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation, the financial
institutions party thereto, certain other parties thereto, and PNC Bank,
National Association, as Administrative Agent, as amended by the First Amendment
thereto dated as of October 3, 2001, and as it may be further amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America.

         "Governmental Authority" means the government of the United States of
America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or
local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court,
central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to
government.

         "Hazardous Materials" means all explosive or radioactive substances or
wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants,
including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing
materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes
and all other substances or wastes of any nature in each case regulated or
subject to regulation pursuant to any Environmental Law.

         "Indemnified Taxes" means all Taxes other than (a) Excluded Taxes and
Other Taxes and (b) amounts constituting penalties or interest imposed with
respect to Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes.

         "Interest Period" means with respect to any LIBOR Borrowing, the period
commencing on the date of such LIBOR Borrowing and ending on the numerically
corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two or three months
thereafter, as Borrower may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period
would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be
extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding
Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest
Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period
that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for
which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of
such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar
month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a LIBOR
Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such LIBOR Borrowing is made and
thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or
continuation of such LIBOR Borrowing. Notwithstanding the foregoing,

                  (x) if any Interest Period for any LIBOR Borrowing would
         otherwise end after the Maturity Date, such Interest Period shall end
         on the Maturity Date, and

                  (y) notwithstanding the foregoing clause (x), no Interest
         Period shall have a duration of less than one month and, if the
         Interest Period for any LIBOR Borrowing would otherwise be a shorter
         period, such LIBOR Borrowing shall not be available hereunder as a
         LIBOR Borrowing for such period without the prior consent of Bank.

         "LIBOR", when used in reference to any Demand Loan or Borrowing, refers
to whether such Demand Loan or the Demand Loans comprising such Borrowing is or
are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the LIBOR Rate.

         "LIBOR Rate" means, with respect to any LIBOR Borrowing for any
Interest Period, the rate appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate Service (or on
any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or
substitute for such Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those
currently

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provided on such page of such Service, as determined by Bank from time to time
for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to U.S. dollar
deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London
time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as
the rate for U.S. dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest
Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any
reason, then the "LIBOR Rate" with respect to such LIBOR Borrowing for such
Interest Period shall be the rate at which U.S. dollar deposits of $5,000,000,
and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period, are offered by four major
banks in the London interbank market as selected by Bank in immediately
available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m.,
London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest
Period.

         "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Demand Note, and any other
instruments or documents delivered or to be delivered from time to time pursuant
to this Agreement.

         "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the
business, assets, operations or financial condition of Borrower, (b) the ability
of Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents or (c) the rights of or benefits available to Bank under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

         "Maturity Date" means December 31, 2002.

         "Multiemployer Plan" means a multiemployer as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

         "Obligations" means the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Demand
Loans and all interest, fees, debts, liabilities, obligations (including
contingent obligations under guaranties and letters of credit), agreements,
undertakings, covenants and duties owing or to be performed or observed by
Borrower to or in favor of Bank and/or any affiliate of Bank, of every kind and
description (whether or not: evidenced by any note or other instrument; for the
payment of money; arising out of this Agreement or any agreement or any other
instrument contemplated hereby; arising out of or relating or similar to
transactions described herein; or contemplated as of the date hereof), direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or
hereafter arising, including all interest, reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and
other amounts chargeable to Borrower under this Agreement.

         "Other Taxes" means any and all present or future stamp or documentary
Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes, charges or similar levies arising
from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement
of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
provided that there shall be excluded from "Other Taxes" all Excluded Taxes.

         "Pension Plan" means any Plan that is a defined benefit pension plan
subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or
Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is
(or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed
to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

         "Person" means any individual partnership, firm, association, business
enterprise, trust, estate, company, joint venture, Governmental Authority,
corporation, limited liability company or partnership, or other entity.

         "Plan" means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section
3(3) of ERISA in which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is an "employer" as
defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA including but not limited to any Pension Plan
or Multiemployer Plan.

         "Post-Default Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus
2.00%.

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         "Prime Rate" means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced
from time to time by Bank, as its prime rate in effect at its principal office
in Boston, Massachusetts; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from
and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.

         "Related Parties" means, with respect to any specified Person, such
Person's Affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers,
employees, counsel, agents, advisors and subsidiaries of such Person and such
Person's Affiliates.

         "Special Counsel" means Palmer & Dodge LLP, in its capacity as special
counsel to Bank.

         "Statutory Reserve Rate" means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the
numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number
one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any
marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal
established by the Board to which Bank is subject with respect to the Adjusted
LIBOR Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency
Liabilities" in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall
include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. LIBOR Borrowings shall be
deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve
requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets
that may be available from time to time to Bank under such Regulation D or any
comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted
automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve
percentage.

         "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person (the "parent") at any
date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or
other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the
parent in the parent's consolidated financial statements if such financial
statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any
other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other
entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more
than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more
than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned,
controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by
the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or
more subsidiaries of the parent. References herein to "Subsidiaries" shall,
unless the context requires otherwise, be deemed to be references to
Subsidiaries of Borrower.

         "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts,
duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental
Authority.

         "Type", when used in reference to any Demand Loan or Borrowing, refers
to whether the rate of interest on such Demand Loan, or on the Demand Loans
comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the LIBOR Rate or the
Prime Rate.

         "Withdrawal Liability" means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a
result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such
terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

         (b) Classification of Demand Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this
Agreement, Demand Loans may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g. a "Base
Rate Demand Loan" or a "LIBOR Demand Loan"). In similar fashion, Borrowings may
be classified and referred to by Type.

         (c) Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply
equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the
context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine,
feminine and neuter forms. The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall
be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation". The word "will"
shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall".
Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any
agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as

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referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such
amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference
herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and
assigns, (c) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder", and words of similar
import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to
any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Sections, Exhibits
and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Sections of, and Exhibits and
Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words "asset" and "property" shall be
construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all
tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities,
accounts and contract rights.

                          SECTION 2. THE DEMAND LOANS.

         (a) General.

                  (i) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, and in
reliance upon the representations and warranties contained herein, Bank hereby
agrees to make revolving credit loans (each such loan being herein called a
"Demand Loan" and all of such loans being herein collectively called the "Demand
Loans") to Borrower from time to time prior to the earlier of (A) Maturity Date
and (B) the date on which Bank makes demand for payment of the Obligations
hereunder, in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Demand Loans exceeding the Demand
Loan Commitment. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein, Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Demand
Loans. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 2(e), the Demand
Loan Commitment shall expire on the earlier of (A) the Maturity Date and (B) the
date on which Bank makes demand for payment of the Obligations.

                  (ii) Demand Loans shall be effected at the principal office of
Bank in Boston, Massachusetts, and shall be made at such times before the
Maturity Date as Borrower may request by providing prior notice to Bank. Such
notice shall be in writing, or by telephonic communication confirmed by telex,
telephonic facsimile or other facsimile transmission on the same day as the
telephone request, and shall specify the proposed date and the amount of the
Demand Loan.

                  (iii) Subject to Section 2(a)(iv) hereof, each Demand Loan
shall be comprised entirely of Base Rate Demand Loans or LIBOR Demand Loans as
Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Bank at its option may make any
LIBOR Demand Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate to make
such Demand Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the
obligation of Borrower to repay such Demand Loan in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement.

                  (iv) At the commencement of each Interest Period for a LIBOR
Demand Loan, such Demand Loan shall be in an aggregate amount at least equal to
$250,000 or any greater multiple of $100,000. LIBOR Demand Loans and Base Rate
Demand Loans may be outstanding at the same time. There shall not at any time be
more than a total of five LIBOR Borrowings outstanding.

                  (v) Each Demand Loan shall bear interest at the rate or rates,
and payable on the dates, set forth in Section 2(g).

         (b) Borrowing Requests. To request a Demand Loan, Borrower shall notify
Bank of such request by telephone (i) in the case of a LIBOR Demand Loan, not
later than 2:00 p.m., Boston, Massachusetts time, three (3) Business Days before
the date of the proposed Demand Loan or (ii) in the case of a Base Rate Demand
Loan not later than 2:00 p.m., Boston, Massachusetts time, on the date of the
proposed Demand Loan. Each such telephonic request shall be irrevocable and
shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telephonic facsimile to Bank of
a written loan request in a form approved by

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Bank and executed by Borrower. Each such telephonic and written loan request
shall specify the following information in compliance with this Section 2(b):

                  (i) the aggregate amount of such Demand Loan;

                  (ii) the date of such Demand Loan, which shall be a Business
Day;

                  (iii) whether such Demand Loan is to be a Base Rate Demand
Loan or a LIBOR Demand Loan;

                  (iv) in the case of a LIBOR Demand Loan, the initial Interest
Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the
definition of the term "Interest Period"; and

                  (v) the location and number of the account to which funds are
to be disbursed.

If no election as to the type of Demand Loan is specified, then the requested
Demand Loan shall be a Base Rate Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified
with respect to any requested LIBOR Demand Loan, then Borrower shall be deemed
to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration.

         (c) Conversion and Continuation of Borrowings. Each Borrowing initially
shall be of the Type specified in the applicable borrowing request delivered to
Bank pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof and, in the case of a LIBOR Borrowing,
shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such borrowing request.
Thereafter, Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or
to continue such Borrowing, or in the case of a LIBOR Borrowing, may elect
Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section To make an election
pursuant to this Section 2(c), Borrower shall notify Bank of such election by
telephone by the time that Borrower would be required under Section 2(b) if
Borrower were requesting a new Borrowing of the Type resulting from such
election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such request
shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or
telephonic facsimile to Bank of a written request in a form approved by Bank and
executed by Borrower. Each telephonic and written request shall specify:

                  (i) the Borrowing to which such request applies;

                  (ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such
request, which shall be a Business Day;

                  (iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be a Base Rate
Borrowing or a LIBOR Borrowing; and

                  (iv) in the case of a LIBOR Borrowing, the Interest Period to
be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a
period contemplated by the definition of the term "Interest Period".

If any such request requests a LIBOR Borrowing, but does not specify an Interest
Period, Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one
month's duration. If Borrower fails to deliver a timely request for conversion
or continuation with respect to a LIBOR Borrowing prior to the end of the
Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such LIBOR Borrowing is repaid
as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such LIBOR Borrowing
shall be converted to a Base Rate Borrowing. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
or if Bank has made DEMAND on the Demand Loans, then (i) no outstanding
Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a LIBOR Borrowing, and (ii) at
Bank's option, each LIBOR Borrowing

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shall be converted to a Base Rate Borrowing (and Borrower shall make any
payments required by Section 2(k)).

         (d) Repayment and Prepayment. Borrower hereby unconditionally promises
to pay to Bank the Obligations (i) at any time ON DEMAND or (ii) on the Maturity
Date. In addition, if at any time (whether following a reduction in the Demand
Loan Commitment pursuant to Section 2(e) or otherwise) the aggregate principal
amount of the Demand Loans exceeds the Demand Loan Commitment, Borrower shall
prepay Demand Loans in an aggregate amount equal to such excess. Borrower may
prepay the Demand Loans at any time without payment or penalty (except for
payment of any LIBOR breakage costs as provided in Section 2(k)).

         (e) Reduction and/or Termination of Demand Loan Commitment. At any time
prior to the Maturity Date, on at least five (5) Business Days' prior written
notice to Bank, Borrower may in whole terminate, or from time to time reduce,
the Demand Loan Commitment. Each notice delivered by Borrower pursuant this
Section 2(e) shall be irrevocable. Any such reduction hereunder shall be in an
amount of not less than $100,000. Any termination or reduction of the Demand
Loan Commitment shall be permanent. In addition, if after giving effect to any
termination or reduction of the Demand Loan Commitment, the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Demand Loans exceeds the Demand Loan
Commitment, Borrower shall immediately prepay Demand Loans in an amount equal to
such excess. Simultaneously with any termination or reduction of the Demand Loan
Commitment hereunder, Borrower shall pay to Bank the Facility Fee on the
terminated or reduced portion of the Demand Loan Commitment accrued to the date
of such termination or reduction.

         (f) Demand Note. The Demand Loans shall be evidenced by the Demand Note
executed by Borrower. Upon receipt of a customary affidavit and an unsecured
agreement of indemnity executed by an officer of Bank as to the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of the Demand Note or any other Loan Document which is
not of public record, Borrower will issue, in lieu thereof, a replacement Demand
Note or other Loan Document in the same principal amount thereof and otherwise
of like tenor.

         (g) Interest. Each Demand Loan shall bear interest on the unpaid
principal amount thereof until paid in full at the rate or rates per annum
determined as follows: (A) the rate for any portion of any Borrowing that is a
LIBOR Demand Loan shall be computed at a rate equal to the Adjusted LIBOR Rate
plus 0.60% per annum (on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a
360-day year), (B) the rate for any portion of any Borrowing that is not then a
LIBOR Demand Loan shall be computed at a rate equal to the Prime Rate (on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day year), and (C) all
interest shall be payable monthly in arrears on the last day of each month,
commencing on the first such day occurring after the Effective Date, except that
in respect of any LIBOR Borrowing, interest shall be payable on the last
Business Day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Borrowing.

         (h) Post-Default Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set
forth herein, during the period when any Event of Default under Section 7(a) or
7(b) shall have occurred and be continuing or after DEMAND, (i) the outstanding
principal balance of the Demand Loans shall bear interest at the Post Default
Rate, and (ii) accrued interest shall be due and payable on demand.

         (i) Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank on the Effective Date a one-time
non-refundable origination fee in the amount of $35,000. ----

         (j) Increased Costs. If any Change in Law shall:

                  (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special
deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the
account of, or credit extended by, Bank (except any such reserve requirement
reflected in the Adjusted LIBOR Rate); or

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                  (ii) impose on Bank or the London interbank market any other
condition affecting this Agreement or LIBOR Borrowings made by Bank;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to Bank of
making or maintaining any LIBOR Borrowing (or of maintaining its obligation to
make any such LIBOR Borrowing) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or
receivable by Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then
Borrower will pay to Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate
Bank for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

         If Bank reasonably determines that any Change in Law regarding capital
requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on
Bank's capital or on the capital of Bank's holding company, if any, as a
consequence of this Agreement or the Demand Loans made by Bank, to a level below
that which Bank or Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such
Change in Law (taking into consideration Bank's policies and the policies of
Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time
Borrower will pay to Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate
Bank or Bank's holding company, for any such reduction suffered. A certificate
of Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate Bank or its
holding company, as the case may be, as specified in this paragraph (j) shall be
delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive so long as it reflects a
reasonable basis for the calculation of the amounts set forth therein and does
not contain any manifest error. Borrower shall pay Bank the amount shown as due
on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof. Failure or delay
on the part of Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this paragraph (j) shall
not constitute a waiver of Bank's right to demand such compensation; provided
that Borrower shall not be required to compensate Bank pursuant to this
paragraph (i) for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than six
months prior to the date that Bank notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving
rise to such increased costs or reductions and of Bank's intention to claim
compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise
to such increased costs or reductions is (x) retroactive, and (y) occurred
within such six-month period referred to above, then such six-month period shall
be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof, but in no event
any period prior to the date hereof.

         (k) Break Funding Payments. In the event of (i) the payment of any
principal of any LIBOR Borrowing other than on the last day of an Interest
Period applicable thereto (including as a result of DEMAND by Bank
(notwithstanding if any Event of Default has occurred or is continuing) or an
Event of Default), (ii) the conversion of any LIBOR Borrowing other than on the
last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (iii) the failure to
borrow, convert, continue or prepay any LIBOR Borrowing on the date specified in
any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice is
permitted to be revocable and is revoked in accordance herewith) then, in any
such event, Borrower shall compensate Bank for the loss, cost and expense
attributable to such event. In the case of a LIBOR Borrowing, the loss to Bank
attributable to any such event shall be deemed to include an amount determined
by Bank to be equal to the excess, if any, of

                  (A) the amount of interest that Bank would pay for a deposit
equal to the principal amount of such Loan for the period from the date of such
payment, conversion, failure or assignment to the last day of the then current
Interest Period for such LIBOR Borrowing (or, in the case of a failure to
borrow, convert or continue, the duration of the Interest Period that would have
resulted from such borrowing, conversion or continuation) if the interest rate
payable on such deposit were equal to the Adjusted LIBOR Rate for such Interest
Period, over

                  (B) the amount of interest that Bank would earn on such
principal amount for such period if Bank were to invest such principal amount
for such period at the interest rate that would be bid by Bank (or an affiliate
of Bank) for U.S. dollar deposits from other banks in the eurodollar market at
the commencement of such period.

                                       9
<PAGE>
         A certificate of Bank setting forth any amount or amounts that Bank is
entitled to receive pursuant to this paragraph (k) shall be delivered to
Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrower shall pay Bank
the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt
thereof.

         (l) Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of
Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrower shall be required to
deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (A) the sum
payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required
deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under
this paragraph (l)) Bank receives an amount equal to the sum it would have
received had no such deductions been made, (B) Borrower shall make such
deductions and (C) Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant
Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law. In addition, Borrower
shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance
with applicable law. Borrower shall indemnify Bank within 10 days after written
demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes
(including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or
attributable to amounts payable under this paragraph (l)) paid by Bank (and any
penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect
thereto during the period prior to Borrower making any payment demanded under
this paragraph (l)), whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were
correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.
A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to
Borrower by Bank shall be conclusive absent manifest error. As soon as
practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower to
a Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to Bank the original or a
certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing
such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of
such payment reasonably satisfactory to Bank.

         (m) Payments Generally. Borrower shall make each payment required to be
made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or otherwise) prior
to 1:00 p.m., Boston, Massachusetts time, on the date when due, in immediately
available funds, without setoff or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such
time on any date may, in the discretion of Bank, be deemed to have been received
on the next succeeding Business Date for purposes of calculating interest
thereon. All such payments shall be made to Bank at such of its offices in
Boston, Massachusetts as shall be notified to the relevant parties from time to
time. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day,
the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and,
in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable
for the period of such extension.

          SECTION 3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FUNDING OF DEMAND LOANS.

         (a) Conditions to Effectiveness. This Agreement and the obligation of
Bank to fund Demand Loans shall not become effective until the date (the
"Effective Date") on which each of the following conditions is satisfied:

                  (i) Bank shall have received an original of this Demand Loan
Agreement, duly executed by Borrower.

                  (ii) Bank shall have received an original of the Demand Note,
duly executed by Borrower.

                  (iii) Bank shall have received such documents and certificates
as Bank or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization,
existence and good standing of Borrower, the authorization of the transactions
contemplated hereby and any other legal matters relating to Borrower,

                                       10
<PAGE>
the Loan Documents and such transactions, all in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Bank and its counsel.

                  (iv) Borrower shall have obtained all permits, licenses,
authorizations or consents from all Governmental Authorities and all consents of
other Persons, in each case that are necessary in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and
each of the foregoing shall be in full force and effect.

                  (v) Bank shall have received a certificate, dated as of the
Effective Date and signed by an officer of Borrower, confirming compliance with
the conditions set forth in Section 3(b)(i) and (ii).

                  (vi) Bank shall have received a certificate of the Chief
Financial Officer of Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, to
the effect that, to the best of such officer's knowledge and belief, as of the
Effective Date and after giving effect to the Demand Loans:

                           (A) the aggregate value of all properties of Borrower
at their present fair saleable value on a going concern basis (i.e., the amount
that may be realized within a reasonable time, considered to be six months to
one year, either through collection or sale at the regular market value,
conceiving the latter as the amount that could be obtained for such properties
within such period by a capable and diligent businessman from an interested
buyer who is willing to purchase under ordinary selling conditions), exceed the
amount of all the debts and liabilities (including contingent, subordinated,
unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of Borrower;

                           (B) Borrower will not, on a consolidated basis, have
unreasonably small capital with which to conduct its business operations as
heretofore conducted; and

                           (C) Borrower will have, on a consolidated basis,
sufficient cash flow to enable it to pay its debts as they mature.

                           (D) Such certificate shall include a statement to the
effect that the financial projections and underlying assumptions contained in
such analysis are reasonable in the reasonable judgment of management.

                  (vii) Borrower shall not be in breach, violation or default of
the Existing Credit Agreement.

                  (viii) Bank shall have received favorable written opinions
(addressed to Bank and dated the Effective Date) of Chapman and Cutler, special
counsel to Borrower, and Oleta J. Harden, Esq., General Counsel to Borrower,
substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto;

                  (ix) Bank shall have received such other documents, and
completion of such other matters, as counsel for Bank may deem necessary or
appropriate.

         (b) Conditions to Each Borrowing. The obligation of Bank to make a
Demand Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of
the following conditions:

                  (i) The representations and warranties of Borrower set forth
in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and
as of the date of such Borrowing, both before and after giving effect thereto
and to the use of the proceeds thereof (or, if any such representation or
warranty is expressly stated to have been made as of a specific date, such
representation or warranty shall be or have been true and correct as of such
specific date).

                                       11
<PAGE>
                  (ii) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to
such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

                  (iii) The making of each Demand Loan hereunder shall be deemed
to be a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date of each such
requested Demand Loan, as to the occurrence of the facts referred to in Section
3(b)(i) and (ii).

                   SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

           Borrower represents and warrants to Bank that;

         (a) Due Organization. Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is a
corporation duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of organization and is duly qualified to do business and is
in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification may be
necessary by reason of the nature or location of Borrower's or such Subsidiaries
assets or operations and where failure to be so qualified could be reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (b) Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement are within Borrower's corporate powers, have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action, require no action by or in respect of or filing
with any Governmental Authority, and do not contravene or constitute a default
under any provision of applicable law or regulation or of the charter, by-laws
or other constituent documents of Borrower or of any judgment, order, decree,
injunction or material agreement or other instrument by which it or any of its
properties may be bound, and will not result in creation or imposition of any
lien on any of its assets except in favor of Bank.

         (c) Enforceability. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by Borrower, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Borrower,
enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors generally and
equitable principles.

         (d) Tax Returns. Borrower has made or filed all Tax returns, reports
and declarations relating to any material Tax liability required by any
jurisdiction to which it is subject; has paid all Taxes shown or determined to
be due thereon except those being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings which serve to stay any remedy of the taxing authority; and has made
adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes so contested or in respect of
subsequent periods.

         (e) No Adverse Regulations. Borrower (i) is subject to no charter,
corporate or other legal restriction, or any judgment, award, decree, order,
governmental rule or regulation or contractual restriction which would have a
Material Adverse Effect and (ii) is in compliance with its organizational
documents and all contractual requirements by which it or any of its properties
may be bound and all applicable laws, rules and regulations (including those
relating to environmental protection) other than (A) laws, rules or regulations
the validity or applicability of which it is contesting in good faith by
proceedings which serve to stay the enforcement thereof or (B) such provisions
of any of such charter documents, by-laws contractual requirements, laws, rules
or regulations as to which the failure to comply with the same would not
reasonably be expected to have Material Adverse Effect.

         (f) Property and Assets. Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries has good
and marketable title to all of its real property and valid title to all other
properties and assets. Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries enjoys quiet
possession under all leases to which it is a party as lessee and which is
material to its business, and all of such leases are valid, subsisting and in
full force and effect. None of such leases contains any provision restricting
the incurrence of indebtedness by the lessee or any unusual or

                                       12
<PAGE>
burdensome provision materially adversely affecting the current and proposed
operations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

         (g) No Adverse Actions. Except as disclosed in the Forms 10-K, 10-Q and
8-K most recently filed by Borrower with the Securities Exchange Commission,
there is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to Borrower's
knowledge, threatened against Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
assets before or by any Governmental Authority reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         (h) Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries is in substantial compliance with all laws, regulations, policies
and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and
all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its
property, except where the failure to so be in compliance, individually or in
the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect. Neither the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, nor compliance with the terms hereof or thereof, will conflict with or
result in a breach of or default under the terms, conditions or provisions of
the Existing Credit Agreement, or any other agreement, indenture or instrument
to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower or its property is bound.

         (i) Permits and Licenses. Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries has,
and is in good standing with respect to, all licenses, permits, approvals and
authorizations of Governmental Authorities necessary to conduct its business as
presently conducted and to own or lease and operate its properties, except where
the failure to have, or be in good standing with respect to, such licenses,
permits, approvals and authorizations, individually or in the aggregate, would
not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         (j) Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in the Forms 10-K, 10-Q
and 8-K most recently filed by Borrower with the Securities Exchange Commission,
neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any
Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or
other approval required under any Environmental Law except where such failure
would not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) has become
subject to any Environmental Liability, or (iii) has received notice of any
claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or any inquiry, allegation,
notice or other communication from any Governmental Authority which is currently
outstanding or pending concerning its compliance with any Environmental Law.

         (k) Investment and Holding Company Status. Neither Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries is (a) an "investment company" as defined in, or subject to
regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (b) a "holding
company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended or (c) a "bank holding company" as
defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended.

         (l) ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to
occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which
liability is reasonably expected to occur, would reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                       SECTION 5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

         Until the principal of and interest on the Demand Loans and all fees
and other Obligations payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, and the
Demand Loan Commitment has terminated, Borrower covenants and agrees with Bank
that:

                                       13
<PAGE>
         (a) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Demand Loans will be used by
Borrower for general corporate and working capital purposes of Borrower. No part
of the proceeds of the Demand Loans will be used, whether directly or
indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations
of the Board, including Regulations U, T and X.

         (b) Financial Statements and Other Information. Borrower will furnish
to Bank all information of the types specified in Section 4.2 of the Existing
Credit Agreement, within the time periods required by Section 4.2 of the
Existing Credit Agreement. The terms of Section 4.2 of the Existing Credit
Agreement (and attendant definitions) are incorporated herein by reference, and
Borrower's obligation to provide such information hereunder shall survive
termination of the Existing Credit Agreement.

         (c) Notices of Material Events. Borrower will furnish to Bank prompt
written notice of any of the following: (i) the occurrence of any Default; (ii)
the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any
arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting Borrower or any
Affiliate that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to result
in a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) any other development that results in,
or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

         (d) Existence; Conduct of Business. Each of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew
and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses,
permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business
whereby failure to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect such legal
existence and rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the
foregoing shall not be deemed to prohibit the merger or consolidation of any
Subsidiary with or into any other Subsidiary, the merger or consolidation of any
Subsidiary with or into the Borrower (with the Borrower as the surviving
entity); or any merger in which the Borrower is the surviving Person.

         (e) Payment of Obligations. Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries will
pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same
shall become delinquent or in default, except where (i) the validity or amount
thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) it has
set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with
GAAP and (iii) the failure to make payment pending such contest would not
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         (f) Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. Each of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries will (i) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of
its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear
excepted, and (ii) maintain insurance, with financially sound and reputable
insurance companies (or through self insurance), as may be required by law, and
such other insurance (or self-insurance) in such amounts and against such risks
as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar
businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including business
interruption and product liability insurance.

         (g) Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries will keep proper books of record and account in which entries are
made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities
which fairly record such transactions and activities. Borrower will permit any
representatives designated by Bank to visit and inspect its and its
Subsidiaries' properties, to examine and make extracts from its and its
Subsidiaries' books and records, and to discuss its and its Subsidiaries'
affairs, finances and condition with officers and independent accountants;
provided that, so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, all such
visits shall be upon reasonable notice at reasonable times during regular
business hours of Borrower and Bank shall not visit Borrower more frequently
than once

                                       14
<PAGE>
each fiscal quarter, and provided further that after the occurrence and during
the continuance of any Default, Bank may visit at any reasonable times and as
often as Bank reasonably deems necessary.

         (h) Compliance with Laws. Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries will
comply with (i) all laws, rules, regulations and orders including all
Environmental Laws, of any Governmental Authority, and (ii) all contractual
obligations, in each case applicable to it or its property, except where the
failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                             SECTION 6. [RESERVED].

        SECTION 7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; DEMAND LOANS PAYABLE UPON DEMAND.

         Borrower expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Demand Loans are
and shall at all times be payable in whole or in part ON DEMAND by Bank and that
Bank may demand payment of the Demand Loans at any time for any reason or for no
reason. Borrower further acknowledges that it is a necessary inducement to Bank
to make the Demand Loans that Borrower grant Bank the unconditional right at any
time in its sole discretion to demand payment in whole or in part of the
principal of and accrued interest on the Demand Loans or of any other demand
Obligations including the payment of any LIBOR breakage costs as provided in
Section 2(k), which right Borrower expressly grants whether or not Borrower is
then in compliance with the provisions hereof. If any of the events set forth
below (each an "Event of Default") shall occur and be continuing, Bank may, but
shall not be obligated to, make such DEMAND (provided that if any Event of
Default of the type described in paragraphs (g) or (h) below shall occur Bank
shall be deemed to have automatically (and without any further action or
requirement on the part of Bank) made DEMAND upon Borrower); such events are set
forth only for purposes of illustration of circumstances in which Bank may
exercise such rights, are not exclusive and shall not be a prerequisite to or
limit Bank's making demand or withholding advances in any other circumstance
where Bank deems that it is insecure or that the prospects for timely or full
payment or performance of any Obligation have been impaired:

         (a) failure by Borrower to pay when due, whether upon demand or at the
scheduled due date, any amount due under any Loan Document; or

         (b) failure by Borrower to pay upon demand (or when due, if not payable
on demand) any other Obligation; or

         (c) failure by Borrower to perform, discharge, observe or comply with
any obligation (other than for payment) or any covenant or agreement contained
in any Loan Document in accordance with the terms thereof which failure
continues beyond the expiration of the applicable grace period (if any); or

         (d) any representation, warranty or statement of Borrower to Bank in
connection with any Loan Document is found to have been false or misleading in
any material respect as of the time when made; or

         (e) any Event of Default shall occur under the Existing Credit
Facility; or

         (f) Borrower's liquidation, termination, dissolution or ceasing to
carry on actively any substantial part of its current business; or

         (g) commencement by Borrower of a voluntary proceeding seeking relief
with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law, or seeking appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator or other
similar official for it or any substantial part of its assets; or its consent

                                       15
<PAGE>
to any of the foregoing in an involuntary proceeding against it; or Borrower
shall generally not be paying its debts as they become due or admit in writing
its inability to do so; or an assignment for the benefit of, or the offering to
or entering into by Borrower of any composition, extension, reorganization or
other agreement or arrangement with, its creditors; or

         (h) commencement of an involuntary proceeding against Borrower seeking
relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law, or seeking appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator or other
similar official for it or any substantial part of its assets (other than
involuntary proceedings to which Borrower does not consent and which are
dismissed or vacated within sixty (60) days following the institution thereof).

               SECTION 8. BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEMAND.

         Following demand under Section 7:

         (a) All Obligations shall become immediately due and payable without
further notice to Borrower; all LIBOR Borrowings not so repaid shall convert to
Base Rate Borrowings (and Borrower shall make any payments required by Section
2(k)); and Bank shall have the right to proceed to enforce payment of the
Obligations and shall have and may exercise any and all rights under applicable
law or which are afforded to Bank in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents
or otherwise;

         (b) Whether or not Bank shall have terminated this Agreement or
accelerated the Demand Loans, Bank may proceed to protect and enforce its rights
and remedies under this Agreement, the Demand Note, or any of the other Loan
Documents by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding,
whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in
this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or any instrument evidencing the
Demand Loans, including, as permitted by applicable law; and Borrower agrees to
take any actions that Bank may reasonably request in writing in order to enable
Bank to obtain and enjoy the full rights and benefits granted by this Agreement
and any of the related documents. Borrower shall not take action to obstruct
impede or infringe upon Bank's exercise and enforcement of its rights, benefits
and remedies under this Agreement and any agreement related hereto, and Borrower
agrees to cooperate fully with any and all actions taken by Bank in good faith
pursuant to this Agreement.

                           SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS.

         (a) Notices. Except in the case of notices and other communications
expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by
hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or
sent by telephonic facsimile (fax), as follows:

                  (i) if to Borrower, to New Jersey Resources Corporation, 1415
Wycoff Road, P.O. Box 1468, Wall, New Jersey 07719, Attn: Director of Treasury
Services, Treasurer, General Counsel (fax no. 732-938-2620); and

                  (ii) if to Bank, to Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, Large
Corporation Department, 28 State Street, 15th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts
02109, Attention: Michael Ouellet (fax no. 617-263-0439), with a copy to Palmer
& Dodge LLP, 111 Huntington Avenue at Prudential Center, Boston, Massachusetts
02199-7613, Attention: George Ticknor (fax no. 617-227-4420);

Any party hereto may change its address or fax number for notices and other
communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and
other communications given to any party hereto in

                                       16
<PAGE>
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been
given on the date of receipt.

         (b) Waivers; Amendments.

                  (i) No failure or delay by Bank in exercising any right or
power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or
discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights
and remedies of Bank hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any
rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of
this Agreement or consent to any departure by Borrower therefrom shall in any
event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (ii) of this
Section 9(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the
specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the making of a Demand Loan shall not be construed
as a waiver of any Event of Default, regardless of whether Bank may have had
notice or knowledge of such Event of Default at the time.

                  (ii) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor
any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except
pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by Borrower and
Bank.

         (c) Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

                  (i) Borrower agrees to pay, or reimburse Bank, as applicable,
for paying, (A) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Bank and its
Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Special
Counsel, in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof
or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall
be consummated), (B) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Bank, including the
reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for Bank, in
connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this
Section 9(c), or in connection with the Demand Loans, including in connection
with any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect thereof, and (C) all
Other Taxes levied by any Governmental Authority in respect of this Agreement or
any of the other Loan Documents or any other document referred to herein or
therein.

                  (ii) Borrower agrees to indemnify Bank, and each Related Party
of Bank (each such Person being called an "Indemnitee") against, and hold each
Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities,
settlement payments, obligations and related expenses, including the reasonable
fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee and settlement
costs, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in
connection with, or as a result of (A) the execution or delivery of this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated
hereby, the performance by the parties hereto and thereto of their respective
obligations hereunder or thereunder or any other transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby, (B) the Demand Loans or the use of the proceeds therefrom, or
(C) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding
relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other
theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided
that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent
that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (are
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable
judgment to have) resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
any Indemnitee. In connection with any of the foregoing, Bank shall be entitled
to select and employ separate counsel.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                  (iii) To the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower
shall not assert, and Borrower hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee,
on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive
damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection
with, or as a result of, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any
agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Demand Loans or the
use of the proceeds thereof.

                  (iv) All amounts due under this Section 9 shall be payable
promptly after written demand therefor.

         (d) Successors and Assigns.

                  (i) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns permitted hereby, except that Borrower may not assign or otherwise
transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of Bank (and any attempted assignment or transfer by Borrower without
such consent shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or
implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties
hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby and, to the
extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of Bank) any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

                  (ii) Bank may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion
of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
(including all or a portion of the Demand Loans at the time owing to it);
provided that except in the case of an assignment to an Affiliate or an Approved
Fund of Bank, Borrower must give its prior written consent to such assignment
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned),
provided further that any consent of Borrower otherwise required under this
paragraph shall not be required if an Event of Default has occurred.

                  (iii) Bank may at any time pledge or assign a security
interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure
obligations of Bank, including any such pledge or assignment to a Federal
Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment
of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security
interest shall release Bank from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute
any such assignee for Bank as a party hereto.

                  (iv) Bank may furnish any information concerning Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries in the possession of Bank from time to time to assignees
and participants (including prospective assignees and participants) subject,
however, to and so long as the recipient agrees in writing to be bound by, the
provisions of Section 9(l). In addition, Bank may furnish any information
concerning Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates in Bank's
possession to any Affiliate of Bank, subject, however, to the provisions of
Section 9(l). Borrower shall assist Bank in effectuating any assignment or
participation pursuant to this Section 9(d) in whatever manner Bank reasonably
deems necessary, including participation in meetings with prospective
transferees.

         (e) Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties
made by Borrower and its Subsidiaries herein and in the other Loan Documents,
and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or
pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, shall be considered to
have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the
making of the Demand Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such
other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Bank may have had notice
or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time
any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect so
long as the principal of or any accrued interest on the Demand Loans or any fee
or any other amount payable under this Agreement

                                       18
<PAGE>
or the other Loan Documents is outstanding and unpaid and the Demand Loan
Commitment has not terminated. The provisions of Sections 2(j) and 9(c) shall
survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Demand Loans, or the
termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof
or thereof.

         (f) Counterparts; Integration; References to Agreement; Effectiveness.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto
on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all
of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement
and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to Bank or its
counsel constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject
matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings,
oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in
Section 3, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been
executed by Bank and when Bank shall have received counterparts hereof which,
when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto,
and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed
counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective
as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

         (g) Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular
jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

         (h) Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits
(general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and
other indebtedness at any time owing by Bank to or for the credit or the account
of Borrower against any of and all the Obligations, irrespective of whether or
not Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such
obligations may be unmatured. The rights of Bank under this Section 9(h) are in
addition to any other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff)
which Bank may have.

         (i) Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

                  (i) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                  (ii) Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the
courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and of the United States District
Court for the District of Massachusetts, and any appellate court from any
thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any
judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard
and determined in such Massachusetts court (or, to the extent permitted by law,
in such Federal court). Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment
in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in
other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by
law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that Bank may otherwise
have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against
Borrower or any Subsidiary or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

                                       19
<PAGE>
                  (iii) Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit,
action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents in any court referred to in paragraph (ii) of this Section 9(i).
Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of
such action or proceeding in any such court.

                  (iv) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to
service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9(a). Nothing
in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve
process in any other manner permitted by law.

         (j) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING
TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO
REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY
OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK
TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER
PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9(j).

         (k) Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents
used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this
Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into
consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

         (l) Confidentiality. Bank agrees to keep confidential information
obtained by it pursuant hereto and the other Loan Documents confidential in
accordance with Bank's customary practices and agrees that it will only use such
information in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and not disclose any of such information other than (i) to Bank's employees,
representatives, directors, attorneys, auditors, agents, professional advisors,
trustees or Affiliates who are advised of the confidential nature of such
information or to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in swap
agreements or such contractual counterparty's professional advisor (so long as
such contractual counterparty or professional advisor to such contractual
counterparty agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 9(l)), (ii) to
the extent such information presently is or hereafter becomes available to Bank
on a non-confidential basis from any source of such information that is in the
public domain at the time of disclosure, (iii) to the extent disclosure is
required by law (including applicable securities law), regulation, subpoena or
judicial order or process (provided that notice of such requirement or order
shall be promptly furnished to Borrower unless such notice is legally
prohibited) or requested or required by bank, securities, insurance or
investment company regulators or auditors or any administrative body or
commission to whose jurisdiction Bank may be subject, (iv) to any rating agency
to the extent required in connection with any rating to be assigned to Bank, (v)
to assignees or participants or prospective assignees or participants who agree
to be bound by the provisions of this Section 9(l), (vi) to the extent required
in connection with any litigation between Borrower and Bank with respect to the
Demand Loans or this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or (vii) with
Borrower's prior written consent.

                                       20
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as a document under seal by their respective authorized officers
as of the day and year first above written.

                                        NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION

                                        By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Name:
                                           Title:

                                        CITIZENS BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS

                                        By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Name:
                                           Title:
<PAGE>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              PAGE
<S>                  <C>                                                                      <C>
SECTION 1.                CERTAIN DEFINITIONS...............................................    1

SECTION 2.                THE DEMAND LOANs..................................................    6

           (a)       General................................................................    6

           (b)       Borrowing Requests.....................................................    6

           (c)       Conversion and Continuation of Borrowings..............................    7

           (d)       Repayment and Prepayment...............................................    8

           (e)       Reduction and/or Termination of Demand Loan Commitment.................    8

           (f)       Demand Note............................................................    8

           (g)       Interest...............................................................    8

           (h)       Post-Default Interest..................................................    8

           (i)       Fees...................................................................    8

           (j)       Increased Costs........................................................    8

           (k)       Break Funding Payments.................................................    9

           (l)       Taxes..................................................................   10

           (m)       Payments Generally.....................................................   10

SECTION 3.                CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FUNDING OF DEMAND LOANS...................   10

           (a)       Conditions to Effectiveness............................................   10

           (b)       Conditions to Each Borrowing...........................................   11

SECTION 4.                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................   12

           (a)       Due Organization.......................................................   12

           (b)       Due Authorization......................................................   12

           (c)       Enforceability.........................................................   12

           (d)       Tax Returns............................................................   12

           (e)       No Adverse Regulations.................................................   12

           (f)       Property and Assets....................................................   12

           (g)       No Adverse Actions.....................................................   13

           (h)       Compliance with Laws and Agreements....................................   13

           (i)       Permits and Licenses...................................................   13

           (j)       Environmental Matters..................................................   13
</TABLE>

                                       -i-
<PAGE>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              PAGE
<S>                  <C>                                                                      <C>
           (k)       Investment and Holding Company Status..................................   13

           (l)       ERISA..................................................................   13

SECTION 5.                AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.............................................   13

           (a)       Use of Proceeds........................................................   14

           (b)       Financial Statements and Other Information.............................   14

           (c)       Notices of Material Events.............................................   14

           (d)       Existence; Conduct of Business.........................................   14

           (e)       Payment of Obligations.................................................   14

           (f)       Maintenance of Properties; Insurance...................................   14

           (g)       Books and Records; Inspection Rights...................................   14

           (h)       Compliance with Laws...................................................   15

SECTION 6.                 [RESERVED].......................................................   15

SECTION 7.                EVENTS OF DEFAULT;  DEMAND LOANS PAYABLE UPON DEMAND..............   15

SECTION 8.                BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEMAND............................   16

SECTION 9.                MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................   16

           (a)       Notices................................................................   16

           (b)       Waivers; Amendments....................................................   17

           (c)       Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.....................................   17

           (d)       Successors and Assigns.................................................   18

           (e)       Survival...............................................................   18

           (f)       Counterparts; Integration; References to Agreement; Effectiveness......   19

           (g)       Severability...........................................................   19

           (h)       Right of Setoff........................................................   19

           (i)       Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.............   19

           (j)       WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL...................................................   20

           (k)       Headings...............................................................   20
</TABLE>

                                      -ii-

<PAGE>
An extra section break has been inserted above this paragraph. Do not delete
this section break if you plan to add text after the Table of
Contents/Authorities. Deleting this break will cause Table of
Contents/Authorities headers and footers to appear on any pages following the
Table of Contents/Authorities.<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4-3
                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$15,000,000.00
                                                                  August 1, 2002

New Jersey Resources Corporation
1415 Wyckoff Road
Wall, New Jersey  07719
("Borrower")

Wachovia Bank, National Association
301 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina  28202
(Hereinafter referred to as "Bank")

Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United
States of America, at its office indicated above or wherever else Bank may
specify, the sum of Fifteen Million and No/100 Dollars ($15,000,000.00) or such
sum as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time, with interest on the
unpaid principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this
Promissory Note (including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof,
this "Note").

LINE OF CREDIT. Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow, and, upon the request
of Borrower, Bank shall advance and readvance under this Note from time to time
until the maturity hereof (each an "Advance" and together the "Advances"), so
long as the total principal balance outstanding under this Note at any one time
does not exceed the principal amount stated on the face of this Note. Bank's
obligation to make Advances under this Note shall terminate if Borrower is in
Default. As of the date of each proposed Advance, Borrower shall be deemed to
represent that each representation made in the Loan Documents is true as of such
date.

If Borrower subscribes to Bank's cash management services and such services are
applicable to this line of credit, the terms of such service shall control the
manner in which funds are transferred between the applicable demand deposit
account and the line of credit for credit or debit to the line of credit.

USE OF PROCEEDS. Borrower shall use the proceeds of the loan(s) evidenced by
this Note for the commercial purposes of Borrower, as follows: for general
corporate purposes.

INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of each
Advance during each Interest Period from the date of such Advance at a rate per
annum equal to 1-month LIBOR plus 0.4% ("Interest Rate"). The Interest Rate for
each Interest Period shall accrue each day during such Interest Period,
commencing on and including the first day to but excluding the last day.
"Interest Period" means, in respect of each Advance, each period commencing on
the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the same
day of the month that interest in respect of such Advance is due the number of
months thereafter corresponding to the number of months specified above;
provided (i) the first Interest Period shall commence on the date of such
Advance and end on the first day thereafter that interest in respect of such
Advance is due, (ii) any Interest Period that ends in a month for which there is
no day which numerically corresponds to the last day of the immediately
preceding Interest Period shall end on the last day of the month, and (iii) any
Interest Period that would otherwise extend past the maturity date of this Note
shall end on the maturity date of this Note. "LIBOR" means, with respect to each
Interest Period, the rate for U.S. dollar deposits with a maturity equal to the
number of months specified above, as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00
a.m., London time, on the second London business day before such Interest Period
begins (or if not so reported, then as determined by the Bank from another
recognized source or interbank quotation).
<PAGE>
INDEMNIFICATION. Borrower shall indemnify Bank against Bank's loss or expense as
a consequence of (a) Borrower's failure to make any payment when due under this
Note, (b) any payment, prepayment or conversion of any loan on a date other than
the last day of the Interest Period, or (c) any failure to make a borrowing or
conversion after giving notice thereof ("Indemnified Loss or Expense"). The
amount of such Indemnified Loss or Expense shall be determined by Bank based
upon the assumption that Bank funded 100% of that portion of the loan in the
London interbank market.

DEFAULT RATE. In addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a
Default (as defined herein) occurs and as long as a Default continues, all
outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3%
("Default Rate"), except if the Note is governed by the laws of the State of
North Carolina and the original principal amount is less than or equal to
$300,000.00. The Default Rate shall also apply from acceleration until the
Obligations or any judgment thereon is paid in full.

INTEREST AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION (ACTUAL/360). Interest and fees, if any, shall
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days in the
applicable period ("Actual/360 Computation"). The Actual/360 Computation
determines the annual effective yield by taking the stated (nominal) rate for a
year's period and then dividing said rate by 360 to determine the daily periodic
rate to be applied for each day in the applicable period. Application of the
Actual/360 Computation produces an annualized effective interest rate exceeding
the nominal rate.

REPAYMENT TERMS. This Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly
payments of accrued interest only, commencing on September 1, 2002, and
continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid. In any
event, all principal and accrued interest shall be due and payable on December
31, 2002.

FACILITY FEE. Borrower shall pay to Bank monthly in arrears a facility fee equal
to 0.10% per annum on the stated amount of this Note, for each day during the
preceding calendar month or portion thereof, commencing on September 1, 2002 and
continuing on the same day of each month thereafter, with a final payment due
and payable on the date that all principal and accrued interest is paid in full.

APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Monies received by Bank from any source for application
toward payment of the Obligations shall be applied to accrued interest and then
to principal. If a Default occurs, monies may be applied to the Obligations in
any manner or order deemed appropriate by Bank.

If any payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is
rescinded, avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse
claim or threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an
obligation of all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as
though such payment had not been made.

DEFINITIONS. LOAN DOCUMENTS. The term "Loan Documents", as used in this Note and
the other Loan Documents, refers to all documents executed in connection with or
related to the loan evidenced by this Note and any prior notes which evidence
all or any portion of the loan evidenced by this Note, and any letters of credit
issued pursuant to any loan agreement to which this Note is subject, any
applications for such letters of credit and any other documents executed in
connection therewith or related thereto, and may include, without limitation, a
commitment letter that survives closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty
agreements, security agreements, security instruments, financing statements,
mortgage instruments, any renewals or modifications, whenever any of the
foregoing are executed, but does not include swap agreements (as defined in 11
U.S.C. Section 101). OBLIGATIONS. The term "Obligations", as used in this Note
and the other Loan Documents, refers to any and all indebtedness and other
obligations under this Note, all other obligations under any other Loan
Document(s), and all obligations under any swap agreements (as defined in 11
U.S.C. Section 101) between Borrower and Bank executed at any time in connection
with this Note. SYNDICATED CREDIT AGREEMENT. The term "Syndicated Credit
Agreement", as used in this Note, refers to the Credit Agreement by and among
the Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto as the Lenders, and PNC
Bank, National Association as the Administrative Agent, dated as of January 5,
2001, as it may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, by
that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 3, 2001.
CERTAIN OTHER TERMS. All terms that

                                     Page 2
<PAGE>
are used but not otherwise defined in any of the Loan Documents shall have the
definitions provided in the Uniform Commercial Code.

LATE CHARGE. If any payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to
Bank a late charge equal to 4% of each payment past due for 15 or more days.

Acceptance by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall
not be deemed a waiver of Bank's right to collect such late charge or to collect
a late charge for any subsequent late payment received.

ATTORNEYS' FEES AND OTHER COLLECTION COSTS. Borrower shall pay all of Bank's
reasonable expenses incurred to enforce or collect any of the Obligations
including, without limitation, reasonable arbitration, paralegals', attorneys'
and experts' fees and expenses, whether incurred without the commencement of a
suit, in any trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any
appellate or bankruptcy proceeding.

USURY. If at any time the effective interest rate under this Note would, but for
this paragraph, exceed the maximum lawful rate, the effective interest rate
under this Note shall be the maximum lawful rate, and any amount received by
Bank in excess of such rate shall be applied to principal and then to fees and
expenses, or, if no such amounts are owing, returned to Borrower.

DEFAULT. If any of the following occurs, a default ("Default") under this Note
shall exist: NONPAYMENT; NONPERFORMANCE. The failure of (i)payment of (a)
interest or fees or any other amount when due hereunder and the continuance of
such nonpayment for five (5) business days, or (b) principal on the date due; or
(ii) performance of the Obligations or Default under this Note or any other Loan
Documents. FALSE WARRANTY. A warranty or representation made or deemed made in
the Loan Documents or furnished Bank in connection with the loan evidenced by
this Note proves materially false, or if of a continuing nature, becomes
materially false. CROSS DEFAULT. At Bank's option, (i) any default in payment or
performance of any obligation under any other loans, contracts or agreements of
Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Borrower, any general partner of or the
holder(s) of the majority ownership interests of Borrower with Bank or its
affiliates ("Affiliate" shall have the meaning as defined in 11 U.S.C. Section
101, except that the term "Borrower" shall be substituted for the term "Debtor"
thereIN; "Subsidiary" shall mean any business in which Borrower holds, directly
or indirectly, a controlling interest); or (ii) an Event of Default (as defined
in the Syndicated Credit Agreement) shall have occurred, provided, however, that
in the event that the Syndicated Credit Agreement is cancelled or terminated, or
the Bank ceases to be a Lender thereunder, the Events of Default (as defined
therein) shall survive with respect to this Note and shall be incorporated
herein.

REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. If a Default occurs under this Note or any Loan
Documents, Bank may at any time thereafter, take the following actions: BANK
LIEN. Foreclose its security interest or lien against Borrower's accounts
without notice. ACCELERATION UPON DEFAULT. Accelerate the maturity of this Note
and, at Bank's option, any or all other Obligations, other than Obligations
under any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101) between Borrower
and Bank, which shall be governed by the default and termination provisions of
said swap agreements; whereupon this Note and the accelerated Obligations shall
be immediately due and payable; provided, however, if the Default is based upon
a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding commenced by or against Borrower or any
guarantor or endorser of this Note, all Obligations (other than Obligations
under any swap agreement as referenced above) shall automatically and
immediately be due and payable. CUMULATIVE. Exercise any rights and remedies as
provided under the Note and other Loan Documents, or as provided by law or
equity.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION. Borrower shall deliver to Bank such information
as Bank may reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation,
financial statements and information pertaining to Borrower's financial
condition. Such information shall be true, complete, and accurate.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS, NEGATIVE COVENANTS. From
the date hereof until final payment of the Obligations, Borrower agrees that the
Representations

                                     Page 3
<PAGE>
and Warranties, Affirmative Covenants and Negative Covenants contained in
Articles III, IV and V of the Syndicated Credit Agreement shall be incorporated
herein, and shall survive in the event of (i) the termination or cancellation of
the Syndicated Credit Agreement, or (ii) the Bank ceasing to be a Lender
thereunder. Any notices or other materials which the Borrower is required to
deliver to the Administrative Agent under the Syndicated Credit Agreement shall
be delivered to Bank (within the stated time periods) if either (i) the
Syndicated Credit Agreement has been terminated or cancelled, or (ii) Bank shall
cease to be a Lender under the Syndicated Credit Agreement.

WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS. No waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and
other Loan Documents shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer
of Bank. No waiver by Bank of any Default shall operate as a waiver of any other
Default or the same Default on a future occasion. Neither the failure nor any
delay on the part of Bank in exercising any right, power, or remedy under this
Note and other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a
single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.

Each Borrower or any person liable under this Note waives presentment, protest,
notice of dishonor, demand for payment, notice of intention to accelerate
maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other
notices of any kind. Further, each agrees that Bank may extend, modify or renew
this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note for any period,
and grant any releases, compromises or indulgences with respect to any
collateral securing this Note, or with respect to any other Borrower or any
other person liable under this Note or other Loan Documents, all without notice
to or consent of each Borrower or each person who may be liable under this Note
or any other Loan Document and without affecting the liability of Borrower or
any person who may be liable under this Note or any other Loan Document.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. ASSIGNMENT. This Note and the other Loan Documents
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their
respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Bank's
interests in and rights under this Note and the other Loan Documents are freely
assignable, in whole or in part, by Bank. In addition, nothing in this Note or
any of the other Loan Documents shall prohibit Bank from pledging or assigning
this Note or any of the other Loan Documents or any interest therein to any
Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower shall not assign its rights and interest
hereunder without the prior written consent of Bank, and any attempt by Borrower
to assign without Bank's prior written consent is null and void. Any assignment
shall not release Borrower from the Obligations. APPLICABLE LAW; CONFLICT
BETWEEN DOCUMENTS. This Note and, unless otherwise provided in any other Loan
Document, the other Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed under the
laws of the state named in Bank's address shown above without regard to that
state's conflict of laws principles. If the terms of this Note should conflict
with the terms of any loan agreement or any commitment letter that survives
closing, the terms of this Note shall control. BORROWER'S ACCOUNTS. Except as
prohibited by law, Borrower grants Bank a security interest in all of Borrower's
accounts with Bank and any of its affiliates, except for any such accounts
containing property held in trust for the benefit of third parties.
JURISDICTION. Borrower irrevocably agrees to non-exclusive personal jurisdiction
in the state named in Bank's address shown above. SEVERABILITY. If any provision
of this Note or of the other Loan Documents shall be prohibited or invalid under
applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective but only to the extent of
such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such
provision or the remaining provisions of this Note or other such document.
NOTICES. Any notices to Borrower shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and
mailed or delivered to the Borrower's address shown above or such other address
as provided hereunder, and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to
Bank's office address shown above or such other address as Bank may specify in
writing from time to time. In the event that Borrower changes Borrower's address
at any time prior to the date the Obligations are paid in full, Borrower agrees
to promptly give written notice of said change of address by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, all charges prepaid. PLURAL; CAPTIONS.
All references in the Loan Documents to Borrower, guarantor, person, document or
other nouns of reference mean both the singular and plural form, as the case may
be, and the term "person" shall mean any individual, person or entity. The
captions contained in the Loan Documents are inserted for convenience only and
shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Loan Documents. ADVANCES.
Bank may, in its sole discretion, make other advances which shall be deemed to
be advances under this Note, even though the stated principal

                                     Page 4
<PAGE>
amount of this Note may be exceeded as a result thereof. POSTING OF PAYMENTS.
All payments received during normal banking hours after 2:00 p.m. local time at
the office of Bank first shown above shall be deemed received at the opening of
the next banking day. FEES AND TAXES. Borrower shall promptly pay all
documentary, intangible recordation and/or similar taxes on this transaction
whether assessed at closing or arising from time to time.

ARBITRATION. Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after
institution of any judicial proceeding, any claim or controversy arising out of
or relating to the Loan Documents between parties hereto (a "Dispute") shall be
resolved by binding arbitration conducted under and governed by the Commercial
Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the "Arbitration Rules") of the American
Arbitration Association (the "AAA") and the Federal Arbitration Act. Disputes
may include, without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, a dispute as to
whether a matter is subject to arbitration, claims brought as class actions, or
claims arising from documents executed in the future. A judgment upon the award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
this arbitration provision does not apply to disputes under or related to swap
agreements. SPECIAL RULES. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the
city named in the address of Bank first stated above. A hearing shall begin
within 90 days of demand for arbitration and all hearings shall conclude within
120 days of demand for arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended
unless a party shows cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60
days. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration
Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00. Arbitrators
shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial Dispute
Arbitration Panel of the AAA. The parties do not waive applicable Federal or
state substantive law except as provided herein. PRESERVATION AND LIMITATION OF
REMEDIES. Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration provisions, the
parties agree to preserve, without diminution, certain remedies that any party
may exercise before or after an arbitration proceeding is brought. The parties
shall have the right to proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by
self-help to exercise or prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i)
all rights to foreclose against any real or personal property or other security
by exercising a power of sale or under applicable law by judicial foreclosure
including a proceeding to confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help
including peaceful occupation of real property and collection of rents, set-off,
and peaceful possession of personal property; (iii) obtaining provisional or
ancillary remedies including injunctive relief, sequestration, garnishment,
attachment, appointment of receiver and filing an involuntary bankruptcy
proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a judgment by confession of judgment. Any
claim or controversy with regard to any party's entitlement to such remedies is
a Dispute. WAIVER OF EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. The parties agree that they shall not
have a remedy of punitive or exemplary damages against other parties in any
Dispute and hereby waive any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages
they have now or which may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute
whether the Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially. WAIVER OF JURY
TRIAL. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING ARBITRATION THEY HAVE
IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL WITH REGARD TO A
DISPUTE.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, as of the day and year first above written, has
caused this Note to be executed under seal.

PLACE OF EXECUTION AND DELIVERY. Borrower hereby certifies that this Note and
the Loan Documents were executed in the State of New Jersey and delivered to
Bank in the State of North Carolina.

                           New Jersey Resources Corporation
                           Taxpayer Identification Number:  ___________________

                           By: ____________________________________(SEAL)

                           Name: ________________________, Title: _____________

                                     Page 5

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