in 1858 he was appointed headmaster of a large primary school in ballarat, a position he held until 1863. in 1864 pope moved to dunedin, new zealand to become assistant master at the high school of otago (later otago boys' high school). he was soon respected for his breadth of knowledge, energy and teaching ability. he was large, untidy, apparently vague in manner, and considered to be unconventional in his methods, but he knew everything that went on in the classroom and kept strict order. he was an accomplished linguist, equally at home, it was said, in greek, latin, french and german, and well versed in hebrew. he was an enthusiastic astronomer and botanist and an accomplished musician. although unassuming, he had the confidence of his colleagues, and was acting rector of the school from 1868 to 1869. he transferred to the otago girls' high school in 1873, where the principal, margaret burn, regarded him as her right-hand man.