<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary information extracted from Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended November 30, 1995 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-START>                             SEP-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1995
<CASH>                                           1,362
<SECURITIES>                                    45,703
<RECEIVABLES>                                   39,522
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,917
<INVENTORY>                                      1,628
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                96,077
<PP&E>                                         137,351
<DEPRECIATION>                                  34,759
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 209,796
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           64,900
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            11
<OTHER-SE>                                     132,493
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   209,796
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                37,513
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   33,685
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 258
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  4,618
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,847
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,771
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.25