
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
FROM THE COMPANY'S FOR 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 1996 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>                                           2,625
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   77,870
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,175
<INVENTORY>                                      1,924
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                93,794
<PP&E>                                         245,897
<DEPRECIATION>                               (109,824)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 343,800
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           65,224
<BONDS>                                        147,024
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           397
<OTHER-SE>                                     131,155
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   343,800
<SALES>                                        188,076
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               188,076
<CGS>                                          142,673
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  142,673
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             (4,821)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,495
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,137)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,358
<DISCONTINUED>                                   3,764
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,122
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .13
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .13


</TABLE>
