<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Financial Data Schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the Company's balance sheet and statement of income and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1995
<CASH>                                         119,816
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  383,262
<ALLOWANCES>                                    62,922
<INVENTORY>                                     35,006
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               527,831
<PP&E>                                       1,390,285
<DEPRECIATION>                                 306,062
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,107,866
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          343,174
<BONDS>                                        996,650
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                        111
<COMMON>                                           578
<OTHER-SE>                                     600,588
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,107,866
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               493,565
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  412,241
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                33,207
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,186
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 25,869
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,950
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,919
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    19,919
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .39