in 1876 pope went back to ballarat to become rector of ballarat college, but his health broke down after a few months and he resigned and returned to dunedin to recuperate. there was a staffing disruption at the girls' high school in 1878 and as one of the steps to restore confidence in the school, pope was appointed deputy principal. he continued to be dogged by ill health, and retired at the end of the year, highly esteemed by staff and students alike.