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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report dated March 6, 1996 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note
13, as to which the date is May 7, 1996) (and all references to our firm)
included in or made a part of this Registration Statement and to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated
March 6, 1996, included in Mesa Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year
ended December 31, 1995. It should be noted that we performed no audit
procedures subsequent to March 6, 1996, except with respect to the matter
discussed in Note 13, as to which the date is May 7, 1996. Furthermore, we have
not audited any financial statements of Mesa Inc. as of any date or for any
period subsequent to December 31, 1995.

 
                                            /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 28, 1996