<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>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-29-1996
<CASH>                                          17,787
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  443,320
<ALLOWANCES>                                    73,155
<INVENTORY>                                     40,082
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               474,718
<PP&E>                                       1,501,337
<DEPRECIATION>                                 324,616
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,178,736
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          392,190
<BONDS>                                      1,023,651
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           581
<OTHER-SE>                                     585,072
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,178,736
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,036,453
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  858,452
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                68,302
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              53,464
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 63,651
<INCOME-TAX>                                    16,277
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             47,374
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    47,374
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .86
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .85