Block Foundation - Corner Construction???

[Phil Cybolsky]

Hi Guys, I did an inspection on a home that has a block basement. The corner blocks are installed so that a small air gap is visible on every second row.
I have not seen this type of design before and was wondering if anyone knows why this is constructed this way? Is this common construction?
See the attached photo.
Thanks
Phil Cybolsky
Skyspect Inspection Services.

[Raymond Wand]

As far as I am concerned the gaps should have been mortared.
It appears in the photo that there is a water stain in the corner at floor.

See photo
Construction of Concrete Block Foundation Wall - Corner | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/commonwealth_brick/4675787410/)