<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1997
<CASH>                                               0
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<PP&E>                                          292600
<DEPRECIATION>                                  151500
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           150200
<BONDS>                                              0
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<COMMON>                                          1700
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<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    466700
<SALES>                                         438000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                438000
<CGS>                                           221300
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<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.76
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0