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Bill's introduction to stepping on the other side of conifers (5,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

first reading

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'bill's introduction' is the definition.
'first reading' can be an answer for 'introduction' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'bill's' bit.

'stepping on the other side of conifers' is the wordplay.
'stepping' becomes 'treading' ('tread' can be a synonym of 'step').
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'the other side of conifers' becomes 'firs' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'treading' put after 'firs' is 'FIRST READING'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for first reading that I've seen is " Bill's initial appearance".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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