<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1999
<CASH>                                           1,712
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,090
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                12,304
<PP&E>                                         342,836
<DEPRECIATION>                                 145,705
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 231,118
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          120,060
<BONDS>                                        163,600
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        62,173
<OTHER-SE>                                    (126,205)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   231,118
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                58,661
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   40,909
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    77
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,616
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 35,990
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,801
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             23,189
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    23,189
<EPS-BASIC>                                      .37
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .37